An Evening in the Garden

Thank you to everyone who joined us this year for our Annual Gala at the Atrium at Meadowlark Gardens! We have great appreciation for everyone who made this memorable night possible.

We were also honored to have Adrienne Kotula, deputy secretary of natural resources for Virginia, and Virginia Senator Russett S. Perry speak to conservation and public lands initiatives across the state, with a focus on Northern Virginia. Their remarks inspired us to keep up the work we accomplish and assured us that our concerns for Virginia’s natural landscapes are shared by the commonwealth.



We continued the festivities with a live auction, presentation of our conservation award winners, and a fund in need in honor of Paul Siegel, a devoted NVCt supporter and land conservationist. We are pleased to report that we met our fundraising goal! $25,000 of that goal was doubled by the Paul Siegel Memorial Match, making the grand total $50,000 raised in honor of his conservation legacy!

Photo Contest Winners!

Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Nearby Nature Photo Contest! Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's contest; your submissions were a pleasure to judge. Each submission showcased a different photographer's perspective on nearby nature, reminding the judges (NVC Staff) why we do it all.

Below are our winners for each category. Visit www.nvct.org/photo-contest-winners to see the full list of winners and all submissions we received this year!

People in the Outdoors 

• First place – Reflecting Creek by Ian Maguire
• Runner-up – Afloat by Rory Crider
• Honorable mention – Peekaboo by Cristian Chavez

Spring Renewal 

• First place – Common yellowthroat in the Marsh by Jane Gamble
• Runner up – Alien Garden by Flor Martinez
• Honorable mention – Happy Family by Stuart Chirtel

Streams, Creeks, and Water 

• First place – Just Floating Along by Nancy Galib
• Runner up – Peeking Through by David Kravitz
• Honorable mention – Ripples by Sam Phipps

Smartphone Snaps 

• First place – Hazy Morning by Dylan Heinrich
• Runner up – Blue Beauties by Nancy Galib
• Honorable mention – Last Light by Madison Stephens

Conservation Explored

Branching out Against the Heat

This summer's installment of the Nearby Nature Network series featured Casey Trees! Tree Stewardship Manager Spensor Balog presented on the importance of trees in our communities and how to be good stewards of our urban forests.

We dove a little deeper to learn more about just how crucial tree canopy is to Northern Virginia, and how land conservation work helps create cooler summer in our future!

Lore of the Land

NVCT Staff Interview: Abby Knipp

Last month, we introduced everyone to our newest hire, Abby Knipp! Abby is the new Membership and Administrative Manager at NVCT.

Abby's career journey is not the typical one of someone working in the environmental field, but from her first day on the job, her passion for the outdoors was evident.

Read more to get to know Abby!

Saving Nearby Nature

Community Survey

This summer we sought out to answer one of our most pressing questions: how does land protection benefit the average Northern Virginian?

To find our answer, we began by distributing a community survey through our variouschannels and partners. We thank all our readers who took part in the survey! We now have our results and can share a few of our findings; read more to see what matters to Northern Virginians!

Event

River Invasion: Catfish Cookout & Watershed Festival

Live Music, catfish, and educational programming about the importance of a healthy bay and fisheries. Perfect for families, friends, and anyone who loves good food and company!



August 15, 2026

12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

638 Kings Hwy

Fredericksburg, VA 22405

Policy Manager

NVCT is seeking an energetic, full-time Policy Manager to lead the organization’s efforts to influence legislation, policy proposals, and land-use decisions in accordance with our mission and strategic plan.

 NVCT preserves urban, suburban, and rural lands and waters for habitat, recreation, and healthy communities through permanent

protection of nature, active land stewardship, community engagement, and effective partnerships.

Applications close July 24, 2026

Learn more or apply at nvct.org/join-our-team

Meet EcoAction Arlington!

If you've been wondering what you can do to tackle climate change, EcoAction Arlington invites you to an information session about the EcoAmbassador program. Studies show that climate action gains momentum when we help our neighbors visualize their family’s future. EcoAmbassador volunteers play a critical role in making that happen in our local community. Come and find out more about the program, meet EcoAmbassadors from the 2025-2026 cohort, and learn how you can join our local community outreach efforts. We are now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 cohort.

EcoAmbassador Info Session and Social

August 4, 2026

06:30 PM - 08:30 PM

Rocklands BBQ

3471 Washington Blvd

Arlington, VA 22201