Join us for our annual Fall Festival at Leopold's Preserve!

Co-hosted with the White House Farm Foundation, this annual festival features outdoor activities, local vendors, and raffles throughout the day.

You can expect:

• Native Plants and garden goods for sale
• Rockland's BBQ food truck
• 4M Vending food truck
• Free face painting
• Animal Encounters with rehabilitated wildlife
• Raffles for fun prizes
• Guided nature hikes
• Tables from local environmental and outdoor organizations

Parking is free but limited! We encourage carpooling; it's not only good for the environment but also saves you a headache on festival day!

Welcome, Mark Scott, to the NVCT Board!

We hope you're as excited as we are that we have added yet another member to our Board of Directors! Welcome, Mark Scott, a risk analysis specialist who is no stranger to leadership. Mark has been the president, CEO, Director, and Owner of several organizations and companies related to science, conservation, and, of course, risk assessment and mitigation! Mark has assessed the state of Northern Virginia nature and has decided to take action by joining our board!

Read more to meet Mark!

Leave a Lasting Legacy

This August is National Make-A-Will month. It is a time to reflect on the people, places, and values that have shaped our lives and the impact we hope to leave behind.



As you think about your legacy, please consider including the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust in your estate plans. Your gift of any size will protect our forests, rivers, streams, and wildlife habitat for generations to come. It is a simple way to ensure that the landscapes you love continue to thrive long into the future. 

To learn more about making a planned gift to NVCT, please visit our website or contact our Director of Philanthropy, Greg Meyer, at gmeyer@nvct.org.

Conservation Explored

A Deluge in the DMV: Climate Change and Intensifying Rainfall in Northern Virginia

It’s been a rainy August, and you may feel like this is more than the usual summer showers. It’s not just an off year; research shows climate change is driving these downpours.

Don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom; science also helps us understand how we can be better prepared to handle heavy rainfall. Read more to see how land conservation helps us be prepared for heavy rains!

Lore of the Land

For the Love of the Land

In the town of Manassas, two neighbors learned that love for the land runs thicker than blood. When Katherina Chaloupka decided it was time to plan for the future of the land she lived on, she only had one problem: she had no relatives or next of kin to help her! Her neighbor Charles "Chas" O'Neill, a longtime friend, stepped up to ensure the land they both lived on remained untouched and wild forever.

Read more of this heartwarming story of community connection over a shared love for the land.

Saving Nearby Nature

NVCT Intern-view: Lucas Theobald

Meet our 2026- 2027 Land Conservation Fellow, Lucas Theobald!

Lucas is a graduate of William and Mary and has a bachelor's in integrative conservation. Lucas' expertise in the conservation field is mapping. This is perfect for NVCT as we continue to use mapping as a tool to find unprotected land and to show the public the work we accomplish.

Read more to meet Lucas!

Event

Tank Creek Preserve Workday

Join NVCT as we clean up our new Tank Creek Preserve to get it in good shape for public use! Volunteers will help collect trash and pull invasive plants on the property, as well as mark trails. You can come for the full workday or just part of it. Sign up to receive more specific directions to the property and instructions on how to dress and what to bring!



Sep 14, 2026

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Tank Creek Preserve

Stafford, VA 22554

Communications Fellow

NVCT is now accepting applications for our Communications Fellowship! This fellowship is open to students and young professionals who want to connect others with conservation.

This is an opportunity to use your creativity to connect Northern Virginians with conservation. Land protection and restoration of protected land are our business, but connecting everyone with our work is our passion. Communications helps bridge everyday residents of Northern Virginia with the beauty and benefits of nearby nature.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE THIS WEEK ON August 30, 2026

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