Strategic Plan
2025-2029
For over 30 years, the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust has been dedicated to protecting and preserving the natural landscapes of our region for future generations. As we look ahead to the next five years, we're excited to share a new strategic plan to expand and enhance our conservation efforts. After extensive community input, we’ve identified key areas to focus on: strengthening partnerships, increasing our visibility, and scaling up our conservation work to meet Northern Virginia’s growing needs. Achieving these goals will require expanded capacity and collaboration with landowners, donors, and volunteers. Together, we can build a more resilient, sustainable future for our community’s natural areas.
Our Guiding Principles
Urgency of Protecting Nature
We believe that nature has unique intrinsic value, and we urgently need to protect it, understanding that if lost, it can never be replaced
Future Generations
We are dedicated to conserving land and waters for the benefit of future generations, inspiring a diverse cohort of conservationists, and ensuring a healthier, sustainable future for all.
Personal Commitment
We are driven by a personal passion for nature and a deeply held responsibility to improve the world
Addressing Climate Change
We understand the vital role of nature in mitigating the effects of climate change and strive to protect important lands and waters for the resilience and health of our communities.
Health and Wellbeing
We recognize the healing power of natural and open spaces and their crucial role in advancing public health and wellbeing.
Community Service
We are committed to serving the people within our boundaries and preserving our environment in recognition of the many benefits it brings.
Education and Awareness
We are committed to educating the public about the benefits of land conservation and empowering people from all walks of life to become stewards of the environment.
Collaboration and Partnership
We believe in the power of collaboration and the impact of committed groups working towards a common goal.
Inclusivity and Equity
We honor and conserve land and waters cared for by diverse communities and ensure equitable access to green spaces for people of all backgrounds, recognizing their history and culture.
Conserving Critical Land
We will continue to protect Northern Virginia's land and prioritizing areas critical to its ecological stability. It is our responsibility to protect the homegrown resources and vital ecosystems needed to fight climate change in Northern Virginia. We believe everyone should have access to clean air, water, and all the physical and mental benefits of nature.
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Acquire land that, through our protection, will provide the greatest benefit both to the environment and to human health.
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Work with landowners to create climate defenses for all properties we protect.
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Provide the public access and information to three nature preserves in each of the areas we serve.
Connecting with Our Community
Northern Virginia’s environmental challenges are urgent, and our work removes a key barrier to conservation: unequal access to nature and knowledge. By embedding inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility into everything we do, we make conservation more relevant, effective, and community-driven. The result is a stronger, more equitable conservation movement that protects our shared landscapes for everyone.
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Document the historical background of all properties we protect, including their significance to Indigenous communities and communities of color.
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Invest and collaborate more in our partnerships with diverse community-based organizations to ensure our conservation efforts have wide-reaching impact.
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Partner with organizations in underserved areas to expand our impact beyond conserving land. This past year, we partnered with an urban gardening group in Arlington.
Expanding Our Reach
As political shifts threaten environmental policy, NVCT’s role in Northern Virginia has never been more critical. By strengthening our presence and visibility, we can more effectively advocate for land protection and ensure conservation remains a regional priority. We aim to be recognized broadly as a trusted, influential conservation leader shaping land use and environmental policy for Northern Virginia’s future.
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Increase constituent engagement in our work by 100% to grow knowledge and use of our programs.
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Increasing awareness of NVCT's work will position us as a trusted organization governements seek counsel from to further their conservation goals and policies
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Advocate for conservation efforts at the local government level and represent local interests in public policy..
