Virginia Outdoors Foundation protected 11,000 new acres and awarded nearly $6 million in grants

The Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF) marked another year of significant conservation achievements, protecting 11,249 acres of land through 47 new open-space easement projects and five amendments that added acreage and strengthened existing protections. VOF also expanded its own holdings by adding 178 acres to the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve, thanks to a generous gift from the Sacharuna Foundation.

In addition to land protection, VOF awarded nearly $6 million in grants through its Preservation Trust Fund and Forest CORE Fund programs, supporting 43 projects across the Commonwealth. These grant-funded initiatives ranged from new trails and community parks to the preservation of working farms and wildlife habitat, reflecting VOF’s commitment to both public access and resource conservation.

Several projects stand out for their scale, diversity, and impact:

786 acres of forestland and headwater streams in Rockbridge and Botetourt counties that protect habitat for endangered species and scenic views adjoining the Short Hills Wildlife Management Area.

186 acres on a peanut and cotton farm in Southampton County that provides critical habitat for threatened species, protects extensive frontage on the State Scenic Nottoway River, and contributes to the Albemarle-Chowan Wetlands Conservation Initiative.

A 1.8-acre acquisition at Maplewood Park in the City of Portsmouth, which includes the site of a historic Rosenwald School and will serve as a community hub for recreation and education.

186 acres in Amelia County that includes Haw Branch, a historic home listed on the National Register of Historic Places that was built in 1745 by Thomas Tabb, a merchant and member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, and continues to be owned by his descendants.

823 acres on a family farm in Washington County that is rich with karst resources and helps to protect water quality in the Holston River watershed.

These and other projects received additional funding and support from various federal, state, and private sources such as the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, the Enviva Forest Conservation Fund, and the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation.

“As VOF celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2026, these accomplishments underscore the importance of partnerships and long-term stewardship in our work,” said VOF Executive Director Brett Glymph. “By protecting open space and investing in community projects, VOF continues to build a legacy that strengthens communities and preserves Virginia’s natural and cultural treasures.”

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