Protecting the legendary Shenandoah Valley for nearly 35 years
About our Organization
Shenandoah Valley Conservancy is the only land trust working exclusively to protect the Shenandoah Valley. Established in 1990, the Conservancy has partnered with landowners and other organizations to conserve more than 220,000 acres in the Shenandoah Valley and Allegheny Highlands including some of the most productive farmland in Virginia and most biodiverse forest lands and waterways throughout the region.
Where Much Is At Stake,
Much Work is Needed
Located between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, the region is one of the most biologically diverse in the world. The Shenandoah Valley is not only a well-traveled corridor for migratory birds, but animals as well. From black bears and bobcats to Brook Trout and Shenandoah Salamanders, both common and rare plants and animals call the land, water and skies of our region home. They can find the perfect place to live in the rich variety of environments here as long as uninterrupted landscapes, private and public, remain intact.
The Valley’s rich farmland, which has long played an important economic role in Virginia, can remain productive into the future despite changing weather patterns. Our rich agricultural legacy has a vibrant future if we take steps to conserve it today.
The region forms the headwaters of the James River and Potomac River – two major tributaries to the Chesapeake Bay. Protecting land is key for securing clean water. The Chesapeake Bay watershed forms a unique foodscape with terrestrial and marine components. The agricultural practices of farmers in the Shenandoah Valley impact the harvest of watermen in the Chesapeake Bay.
With the region’s patchwork of pastoral lands and wild open spaces, it’s only natural that people flock here for outdoor recreation – hiking, fishing, camping, paddling and pedaling. Protecting our lands and waters ensures this growing economic sector can increase the vigor and resilience of our rural economy.
221,043
acres of privately protected land in the Shenandoah Valley
71,919
acres of prime and statewide significant soils conserved
2,481
acres for public access
843
miles of rivers and
streams secured
Advancing Conservation Priorities
In collaboration with its partners, Shenandoah Valley Conservancy uses conservation planning and innovative approaches to strategically identify and protect the most vulnerable farms, forests and waterways throughout our 11-county service area.
Permanent Land Protection
Conservation easements are voluntary contracts between a landowner and a qualified land trust like Shenandoah Valley Conservancy that allows the landowner to protect the important conservation features of a property by legally restricting undesirable land use.
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Support Us
As a non-profit organization we rely on the generosity of people like you. Demand for our unique type of conservation is escalating and we need your support more than ever.
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We often hold outings with supporters and members of the community to enjoy the lands and waters we work so hard to conserve.
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