River Farm Saved: Northern Virginia Conservation Trust and American Horticultural Society Permanently Protect River Farm

Alexandria, VA—May 1, 2026: The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT) and the American Horticultural Society (AHS) proudly announce the completion of a permanent conservation easement on River Farm, owned by AHS and serving as its headquarters since 1973.

Part of George Washington’s original Mount Vernon estate, River Farm is a treasured landmark steeped in history, horticultural beauty, and environmental value. The completion of the conservation easement, held and monitored by NVCT, ensures that this nationally significant site will remain a sanctuary for nature lovers, gardeners, horticulturists, and families across the region.

Once at risk of sale and potential destruction, River Farm has been preserved through the collective efforts of many committed advocates and supporters. The conservation easement concludes a years-long campaign that began in 2020, when AHS made the ill-advised decision to place the property on the market. The decision drew widespread concern from many members of the AHS Board, local residents, elected officials, environmental organizations, and conservation advocates.

AHS Board Chair Scott Plein and President and CEO, Suzanne Laporte

“River Farm has truly come full circle,” said AHS President and CEO, Suzanne Laporte. “We are thrilled to see this historic property permanently protected after a period of uncertainty. Over the past several years, we have seen significant improvements and successes that position River Farm for a vibrant future. We are proud to celebrate the preservation of a cherished landscape that means so much to our community.”

NVCT led the “Save River Farm” campaign with a committee of local residents, building a powerful coalition that included local government officials, civic groups, and thousands of engaged citizens.

“We are immensely proud to have helped assure the future of this incredible site along the shores of the Potomac, a river central to life in Northern Virginia,” said NVCT Executive Director Alan Rowsome. “The protection of River Farm for all time is an example of what we can accomplish when we work together to make a difference in our region. Our impact at River Farm is emblematic of our efforts to save natural and open places throughout Northern Virginia.”

Thanks are due in large part to the crucial leadership of five AHS Board members, who stood their ground and remained dedicated to preserving River Farm as the organization’s headquarters and maintaining public access. With support from state and local officials, including Senator Scott Surovell and Supervisor Dan Storck, negotiations advanced to ensure long-term protection of the property.

“This achievement is a grand milestone in the history of AHS, River Farm, and the entire Northern Virginia region,” said AHS Board Chair Scott C. Plein.

The easement, now formally recorded, includes strong legal protections that prevent future commercial and residential development while allowing AHS to live its mission of inspiring a culture of gardening and horticultural practices that create and sustain healthy, beautiful communities and a livable planet.

Additionally, the easement ensures that River Farm will remain home to native plants and wildlife, serve as a living classroom, and stand as a symbol of conservation success in Northern Virginia. The site will continue to host public events, educational programs, and garden exhibits under the stewardship of AHS and NVCT. For NVCT, the protection of River Farm underscores the importance of community action and of preserving places that serve as Northern Virginia’s lifeblood and define the region.

"River Farm has long been a beloved nature escape for me, my children, and many neighbors in Mount Vernon," said NVCT Board Member Sarene Marshall. "Using our voices and power to conserve special places is what we do at NVCT, and River Farm is the kind of ecologically, historically, and culturally important site we seek to protect even more of across the Potomac Region."

The culmination of these efforts highlights the true power of grassroots conservation. A dedicated community came together, raised their voices, and made a lasting impact. Thanks to their advocacy, all of Northern Virginia—and generations to come—will be able to enjoy the beauty of River Farm’s exemplary gardens while also reflecting on the rich and complex history of the land.