Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT)

10/20/2026

Did you know NVCT is entering the 5th year of our fellowship program?

This program is designed to give students and early-career professionals hands-on experience across various aspects of Northern Virginia’s conservation work.

Lucas has been with NVCT since last May, and Community Engagement Fellow OJ Ward has actually been with us for 2 years because their work was so useful we just couldn't let them go! Lucas currently works with the lands team, helping us map our conservation priorities by creating tools to identify land in need of protection, and OJ has been laying the groundwork to expand NVCT's Community Outreach efforts through research and partner building!

Kojo has just started (like the post? It's all Kojo!) with us but has already hit the ground running. We can't wait to see how he uses his talents and passion to connect others with Nearby Nature!

10/16/2026

Meet your future partner... in land protection!

Join us for a FREE workshop to learn about conservation practices that can benefit your landscape and production goals, financial assistance programs, and technical service providers.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
Register here: https://www.nvct.org/event-details/conservation-speed-dating-workshop-2

This event is only for individuals or families who own at least 20 acres of land in Stafford County, VA. All participants will receive a large-scale printed map of their property to use during the event, so registration is required.

If you have any questions, contact Laura Hassell at 703-462-9977 or [email protected]

Are you concerned about the future of your land in Stafford County? This workshop will introduce you to programs and cost-share opportunities from government and non-profit partners who have resources to share! Only for landowners in Stafford with 20 or more acres.

10/08/2026

🎃 Got plans this October?

If you're looking for free outdoor events in Northern Virginia, look no further than NVCT's October lineup!

We hope to see you at one of these events. Come say hey and connect with nearby nature-- learn more at nvct.org/events!

10/06/2026

Want to live greener, save money, and win fun prizes? 🌿🏆

Join NVCT’s group on the Sustain Fairfax Challenge now through October 31! The Sustain Fairfax Challenge is a free, easy-to-use platform provided by Fairfax County that helps you find easy ways to live sustainably, save money, and build a healthier community.

Create an account, join the NVCT Sustains Fairfax group by October 31, and get entered to win gift cards to local outdoor retailers, plus exclusive NVCT and Sustain Fairfax swag! 🎁✨

📲 Join NVCT Sustains Fairfax & enter to win today: https://sustainchallenge.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-group/join/11264!

09/25/2026

Recap of last week’s lineup of events!

First, a garden workday with volunteers from FMI - The Food Industry Network to prepare garden beds for a fall planting, and then harvest!

Then we kicked off fall with our annual fall festival! It was our most attended yet, with 300 total visitors! Festival attendees got something new this year: a passport to fill out by visiting each booth at the festival. Their prize? A free native plant!

Finally, we beat the rain on Sunday with a Kayak Cleanup at our Hunting Creek Preserve. Potomac Conservancy and members of the Porto Vecchio Waterfront Committee joined us, and together we collected 40 total bags of trash!

Thank you to our volunteers and festival attendees for spending the weekend appreciating and caring for nature with NVCT!

09/24/2026

Yesterday we celebrated the conservation of 20 Acres of Forest in Stafford County!

Many of you may recall back in 2024 when we all came together as a community to save Tank Creek. 2 years later, all the pieces have fallen into place, and we could gather to commemorate the importance of this easement!

NVCT Executive Director Alan Rowsome, Chairman Deuntay Diggs, the Commander of Marine Corps Base Quantico Jenny A. Colegate, and other community partners gathered to share a few words, then hiked the preserve.

Joyce’s generosity and partnerships with NVCT, Virginia Outdoors Foundation, White House Farm Foundation, and Marine Corps Base Quantico made all of this possible. Honoring Joyce and making sure she got to see her dream come to life mattered a great deal to us. We're happy to share that Joyce attended the ceremony and cut the ribbon, marking the preserve's official "opening." While this preserve is open only by invitation, its protection adds to the 16,938 acres already protected from development across Stafford County, providing clean air, rainfall drainage, and wildlife habitat.

09/09/2026

🌞Improving your surroundings can be rewarding, but what if you could also earn a prize for green actions that help everyone?

All will be revealed at this season’s installment of the Nearby Nature Network! Fairfax County’s Sustain Fairfax Team will present their platform, which offers easy ways to live more sustainably while earning rewards.

‼️You must RSVP in order to receive the Zoom link to attend this lunch-and-learn session.
RSVP: https://calendar.boomte.ch/single/gJ7pU1U1lU1xW2K0qoL3rh

09/02/2026

Meet the sponsors of this year’s ! Co-hosted by the White House Farm Foundation, this event takes place at Leopold's Preserve and features fun activities such as guided hikes, food and drink, and local vendors in an accessible, scenic area home to wildlife and natural beauty.

This event wouldn't be possible without our local sponsors, who will be tabling or selling goods at this year's Fall Fest! Thank you for giving back to the community and joining us for a fun-filled event.

There is still time to join the lineup! Sponsors receive promotion before and during the event and get to be part of a community-wide outdoor event!
To learn more, visit: https://www.nvct.org/sponsorship

08/29/2026

Tour one of the oldest homes in Fairfax County, Oak Hill, on Friday, September 25, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Oak Hill is a historic home located in Fairfax County, protected by NVCT!

Come explore this property's rich history. Hear stories from historians and experts about the home, architectural features, and people who once lived there! NVCT staff will also provide guided walks through the property's gardens, featuring historic boxwood trees and other notable landscape elements.

This Open House is made possible through our partnership with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the Fairfax County Park Foundation.

For more information about Oak Hill and this year's open house, please visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/oak-hill

08/19/2026

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

Co-hosted with White House Farm Foundation, this annual festival features outdoor activities, local vendors, and raffles throughout the day. You can also expect guided hikes, local eats, and plenty of activities to keep the kids busy!

Parking is free but limited! We encourage carpooling.