Northern Virginia Conservation Trust’s Annual
Rich Bliss Award

Rich Bliss was a Washington, D.C., attorney who has lived in Great Falls, Virginia, for nearly 40 years. He is the founder of the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust and served on its Board from 1994-2022. He is a former Board chairman and longtime leader of NVCT’s Land Stewardship Committee and has been active in working with the Trust’s Board and staff to protect nearby nature in Northern Virginia since its first days, helping the Trust evolve into a regional land conservation leader. As a fierce and passionate defender of land and water protection, Rich leads by example and has dedicated his life to his beloved ‘birdies and bunnies.’

In commemoration of Rich’s enormous personal contributions to the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, we hereby name the annual Rich Bliss award after the organization’s founder and longtime board member whose dedication and commitment to protecting nearby nature has left an indelible legacy on our region.

The Bliss Award recognizes an individual whose vision, determination and devotion to the environment have made Northern Virginia a better place for future generations. Through positivity and persuasion, the individual has persevered and remained undaunted in their efforts to protect our natural world for all time.