June 15 2011 Presentation to the NVRC Conservation

June 15, 2011 Presentation to the NVRC “Conservation Corridor “ Project

“Saving Nearby Nature”

Why Save Nearby Nature?

Why Save Nearby Nature? “After long experience I am convinced that the best place to study nature is at one’s own home …. The seasons bring to his door the great revolving circle of wild life, floral and faunal, and he need miss no part of the show. At home one should see and hear with more fondness and sympathy. Nature should touch him a little more closely there than anywhere else. ” n John Burroughs, Field and Study (1919) n

Why Save Nearby Nature?

Why Save Nearby Nature? In a year, 100 mature trees remove 53 tons of carbon dioxide, 430 pounds of pollutants from the air, and catch 538, 000 gallons of rainwater. n Trees can save homeowners 20 percent on AC and 2 percent on heating costs. n Each front yard tree can add 1 percent to the sales price/large specimen tree adds 10 percent n Source: Virginia Outdoors Plan (2007) V-61 n

Why Save Nearby Nature?

Why Save Nearby Nature? n Puts the “Smart” in “Smart Growth” n Anticipates Growth COG “Region Forward” Report: Add Houston to Metro DC By 2050; Need 22, 000 Acres

NVCT Saves Nearby Nature in Northern Virginia! n n n Founded 1994 Implements Gov’t “Open Space Plans” Regional Body: 13 Member Board 6 Paid Staff/501 c 3 Accredited by LTAC “One of the Best Small Charities in DC Area”

What Tools Does NVCT Use To Save Nearby Nature? n Conservation Easements/Land Donations n Federal Income Tax Deduction n State Income Tax Credit n Federal Estate Tax Exclusion n Local Real Estate Tax Reduction n Purchase or “Bargain Sales”

Preserving Treasured Landscapes Crow’s Nest Peninsula n NVCT Helps Preserve Nearly 3, 000 Acres on Crow’s Nest Peninsula By Raising $1. 3 m

Improving Water Quality n 370 -Acre Farm Easement in Loudoun County n Protects Mile of River Shoreline n Historic Crossing/Wood Turtle Habitat

Conserving Park Buffers Monticello Park Alexandria (5 -acres) n Top 50 Birding Spots (Cornell University) n NVCT 3 -acre Easement Adjoining Monticello Park n

Preserving Trail Viewsheds n n n Horse Farm Easement in Loudoun Protects Views Along W&OD Trail Undergrounding of Power Line

Protecting Historic Properties Glebe House --- Key Arlington Property n National Register Site n Acre of Grounds Containing Mature Trees Conserved n Viewshed From Street Protected n

NVCT’s Explore &Restore Planting Trees

NVCT’s Explore & Restore Removing Invasive Plants

NVCT’s Explore & Restore Picking Up Trash Long Branch Cleanup 12 Bags of Trash Removed

NVCT’s Results To Date n 97 Easements n 3, 313 Acres n 21 Owned Bordering/ Parkland n 27 Miles of Vegetated Riparian Buffers “Preserves” n 5, 421 Acres

NVCT’s 2025 Vision n “By 2025, we visualize a future where most Northern Virginians would be connected to the natural world by living within close proximity of a park, trail, protected stream valley or preserved natural area. We foresee a time when many of these areas are linked together in a connected tapestry of green spaces. We envision a community where everyone enjoys the benefits of clean water, fresh air, abundant wildlife, quiet recreation, scenic vistas, natural beauty, and conserved historic and cultural resources. The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust will be a leading advocate in the region for the protection and stewardship of nearby nature in order to make that vision a reality. ”

Goals of “ 2025 Vision” Protecting Our Natural Resources n Connecting Our Green Spaces n Saving Our Nearby Nature n

Goals of “ 2025 Vision” Exploring + Restoring Our Community n Advocating for a Greener Region n Investing in Local Conservation n

Connecting Our Green Spaces Arlington Ashlawn Trail n n Linking Four Parks: NVRPA’s Upton Hills and W&OD Trail with Arlington’s Bluemont and Powhatan Springs Park Expanding Outdoor Educational Opportunities (Ashlawn Elementary School)

Connecting Our Green Spaces Alexandria Green Crescent n n n Delineated in City’s 2003 Open Space Plan Goal: Connecting Parks & Protected Spaces Designated in 2009 as Regional Conservation Priority by the Washington Smart Growth Alliance

Connecting Our Green Spaces Fairfax Clifton Trail n Goal of Trail Connecting Town of Clifton with Hemlock Overlook Regional Park rk A Pa x a airf F . uth R ern R outh rfolk S No es Pop Hemlock Overlook Regional Park ek He re ad C Town of Clifton

Connecting Our Green Spaces Bull Run Headwaters Initiative n n Goal of Connecting the NVRPA Occoquan and NPS Manassas Parkland With VOF Protected Lands West of Bull Run Mountains Culpepper Basin IBA Drinking Water 1. 2 m 60 Heritage Resources

Questions and Answers