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Northern Virginia is no stranger to the extreme effects of climate change, experiencing everything from longer, hotter summers to record-breaking snowfall within a single day ( The Woodgrove Outlander, 2025 ). In other years, we observe the opposite, but regardless of temperature, the seasons have shifted to extremes at both ends. These dramatic shifts in seasonal patterns create ideal conditions for invasive species to spread and intensify their impact. Invasive species are

Cheryl and Steve Honard aren't your typical landowners. The newest NVCT conserved property is a pocket park just down the street from where Cheryl and Steve live in Loudoun. While the Honards care deeply about preserving open space for their community, their decision to protect their  property was rooted in something far more personal. Today, the small 0.33-acre park features benches, a mulch path, and plantings throughout. At one corner stands a large boulder beneath a matu

Every year brings new critical lands and waters to protect, new partners to work with, and new challenges to face! Here’s our end-of-the-year wrap-up of the newly conserved places that stood out most this year because they represent the diversity in partners we work with, how our work contributes to enhancing public access to nature in Northern Virginia, and, of course, the stories of the wonderful people and organizations who make conservation possible.    Lubar    The Lubar

Amber, orange, and golden-yellow leaves blanket our Northern Virginia landscapes this time of year, creating a colorful carpet that crunches underfoot. By now, your yard is probably covered in them too. Traditionally, this is the time for fall yard cleanups, raking away all the dead leaves and branches and throwing them in the trash. However, this does more harm than good for your land and the environment. But don’t worry, you can still enjoy jumping into a soft pile or two.