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.
Combating the Climate Crisis
We will continue to protect Northern Virginia's land while 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 for the benefit of all. We believe everyone should have access to clean air, water, and all the physical and mental benefits of nature.
Connecting with Our Community
By embedding inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility into our work, we will become well-equipped to forge lasting partnerships with communities historically excluded from conservation. These relationships are key to creating another tailored community conservation solution, like the Terborgh Terrace garden, to increase our impact in an underserved area.
Expanding Our Reach
To effectively influence environmental policy, NVCT recognizes that becoming a more well-known entity within the region is essential. We want to elevate our visibility so that our conservation work and programs are broadly recognized and utilized. Visibility will also help position NVCT as a trusted leader in conservation, influencing land use and environmental protection policy in Northern Virginia.
