Your Local Land Trust
Northern Virginia Conservation Trust is your regional nonprofit land trust. We work daily to preserve Northern Virginia's land, water, and character.
Our History
The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT) was founded in 1994 by Richard Bliss, who, in 1992, was a member of the Fairfax County Park Authority board representing the Dranesville District. With a deep passion for preserving green spaces and natural resources in Northern Virginia, Richard quickly recognized that many others in the community shared this vision. Inspired by this collective commitment to safeguarding the region's wildlife and natural landscapes, NVCT was born.
In 2008, NVCT achieved a major milestone by becoming the first land trust in Virginia to be accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. This prestigious honor marked a significant recognition of our commitment to the highest standards of land conservation. We have maintained our accreditation ever since, ensuring that we continue to operate with integrity and transparency in all our conservation efforts.
Since our founding, NVCT has protected more than 9,000 acres of land across Northern Virginia, both in urban and rural areas. Our conservation work benefits more than 3 million residents in our service area, preserving vital green spaces, wildlife habitats, and natural resources for future generations.
Our Mission
The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust preserves urban, suburban, and rural lands and waters for habitat, recreation, and healthy communities.
Our Vision
The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust envisions communities where everyone can access, connect with, and enjoy the benefits of protected lands and waters. We are committed to fortifying our natural resources against the impact of changing land use and the climate crisis by guaranteeing that the lands and waters that make Northern Virginia exceptional are preserved for all time.