When your roots run deep in the Valley, preserving the outdoor spaces you love for generations to come means everything. Steuart Thomas has served as the Board Chair of Shenandoah Valley Conservancy for the past six years, contributing his talents directly to the oversight of the entire organization. With nearly 40 years of experience as a lawyer, Steuart brings strong communication skills and wise legal knowledge to benefit the Conservancy’s mission. I had the privilege of speaking with Steuart about his connection to our breathtaking Valley and the ongoing growth of the Conservancy.
Having grown up with generations of family throughout the Valley, his connection to the land is a large part of Steuart’s dedication to conservation. “It was just natural to want to help the Shenandoah Valley Conservancy,” recalls Steuart. Fond childhood memories spent outdoors hunting, fishing, or camping in the Valley serve as a reminder of his passion for the protection of our cherished natural environment. Even today, Steuart spends all the free time he can find outdoors, knee-deep in a local river reveling in his favorite pastime: fly fishing. Steuart owns his own conserved piece of land in Highland County, protecting both sides of the land adjacent to the Bullpasture River and ensuring the health of a prominent water source within the James River watershed.
When I asked about his greatest accomplishment as Board Chair, Steuart spoke kindly of the fellowship he has found within the Conservancy’s board and expressed his pride in the creation of a strong administrative foundation within the organization. As a certified land trust, the Conservancy continues to grow each year with the rising numbers of conserved landscapes it protects. Steuart emphasizes the need for increased fundraising and grant awards, and along with that increased capacity for managing and tracking those necessities properly. Steuart credits Kirk Billingsley, chair of the Conservancy’s finance committee, with excelling at overseeing the Conservancy’s finances and guiding the organization into a more sustainable position amid its recent growth. When it comes to the actual conservation process, Steuart says, “I celebrate every time we get a new piece of property conserved.” He also mentions his fascination and excitement for the wildlife crossings that board member John Rice and Director of Conservation Rosemary Downing are working on together.
With all the various land trusts located within Virginia, I asked Steuart what sets the Conservancy apart from the rest. “In my opinion, it’s the land – this is a beautiful valley,” he said, also highlighting the important decision by Executive Director Peter Hujik to rename the Valley Conservation Council as Shenandoah Valley Conservancy. Steuart noted the new name truly embraces the work of the Conservancy and features its extensive service area in the Valley.
For my last question, I asked Steuart, “What is one thing you wish everyone could know about the importance of land conservation?” He responded, “Conservation easements last forever, which is a big deal. So, when you conserve a piece of land, conceivably my grandkids and great grandkids and so on will be able to use and see that property look similar to what it looked like when I grew up.” Steuart also addressed the need for more public awareness around land conservation by sharing, “I think the more people understand what conservation easements are, the more they’ll take advantage of them. I know there’s a lot of hesitation on the part of some of our farmers… I just think that if they understood that it’s a great tool to conserve their farms for farming perpetually, they would be more interested in it.” He encourages everyone to get involved with their local land conservancy, whether as a volunteer, board member, or employee. “Call your local land conservation group and get involved,” said Steuart. “There’s a place for everybody in this field.”