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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. 

Say hello to OJ Ward, our current Community and Partnerships Fellow! Since joining NVCT in August, OJ has focused on building partnerships with local organizations, supporting outreach initiatives, and helping strengthen our mission to make conservation more inclusive and accessible to all. Her passion for community engagement and environmental health makes her an invaluable part of the NVCT team.  1. What did you study in school, and what motivated you to choose that path? 

The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT) is thrilled to welcome Elizabeth Ward to our Board of Directors. With a lifelong connection to the region and a distinguished career in conservation and communications, Elizabeth brings a deep passion for protecting local natural spaces and a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership. We sat down with her to learn more about her background, her love of Northern Virginia’s outdoors, and what inspired her to join NVCT’s mission

At the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT), we often say that conservation requires collaboration . Our latest success is a...