Valley Conservation Council Becomes Shenandoah Valley Conservancy, Reinforces Commitment to Landscape Protection

The Valley Conservation Council, a well-known land and water protection advocate, has officially changed its name to the Shenandoah Valley Conservancy. This rebranding reflects the organization’s evolving role as the only nationally accredited land trust dedicated solely to safeguarding the Shenandoah Valley’s unique landscapes. As the Valley grows in conservation significance regionally and globally, the name change aims to better represent the organization’s deep-rooted commitment to preserving its natural treasures.

Backed by substantial new funding and grants, the Shenandoah Valley Conservancy is advancing its mission to protect vulnerable lands and waters on a larger scale. “The Valley’s conservation landscape has evolved significantly since our founding nearly 35 years ago,” said Peter Hujik, Executive Director of the Conservancy. “The Conservancy is also evolving and sharpening our focus on the region’s most vulnerable lands and waters. The threats are real and the stakes are high, but we are thrilled with the strong momentum conservation work has gained across the region as more begin to recognize the significance of this place we all cherish.”

Increasing Conservation Importance of the Shenandoah Valley

The Shenandoah Valley, located at the confluence of the Appalachian Mountains and the Chesapeake Bay watershed, is increasingly recognized for its vital conservation value. The area is renowned for its diverse working farms and forests, some of Virginia’s top agricultural producers, and is considered a biodiversity hotspot of global significance. As climate change alters weather patterns, preserving the Valley’s rich soils and clean water has become more urgent.

Highlighting the Valley’s critical role, The Nature Conservancy recently secured a $47.2 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enhance forest conservation and management in the Central Appalachians and Southeastern Virginia. This funding underscores the Shenandoah Valley’s essential role in mitigating climate change and promoting environmental resilience.

Recent Conservation Achievements

The Shenandoah Valley Conservancy is already making substantial progress in protecting the region’s landscapes. Since the beginning of the year, the Conservancy has secured five new easements, permanently protecting nearly 1,000 acres of land and more than two miles of waterways. This adds to over 220,000 acres of privately protected land in the Valley, with more than 40 additional easements underway. Seven of these are expected to be finalized by the end of the year.

Among the recent conservation achievements:

• Devil’s Backbone: Last month, a significant section of the iconic Devil’s Backbone ridge in Highland County was protected through a conservation easement. This area contains rare habitats supporting unique species, such as Timber Rattlesnakes and Rusty Patched Bumble Bees.
• South Fork of the Shenandoah River: In June, the Conservancy secured an easement on a property along the South Fork of the Shenandoah River in Page County. This easement protects nearly 1,000 feet of riverfront and links over 1,700 acres of private land already conserved, creating a critical wildlife corridor between Shenandoah National Park and Washington National Forest.
• Poorhouse Mountain: The Conservancy also permanently protected Poorhouse Mountain in Rockbridge County, a prominent natural feature rising 1,600 feet above the Valley floor. This easement preserves scenic views from the City of Lexington and surrounding areas and is part of a broader conservation effort in the rich agricultural corridor between Staunton and Lexington.

About Shenandoah Valley Conservancy

Formerly known as the Valley Conservation Council, the Shenandoah Valley Conservancy is a non-profit, nationally accredited land trust dedicated to preserving the Shenandoah Valley and adjacent Allegheny Highlands. The organization focuses on safeguarding farms, forests, and waterways with innovative conservation strategies that highlight the intrinsic connection between the region’s land, water, plants, animals, and communities.

Serving eleven counties, including Frederick, Warren, Shenandoah, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Bath, Rockbridge, Alleghany, and Botetourt, the Conservancy has helped conserve over 220,000 acres of private land and more than 800 miles of rivers and streams since its founding in 1990.

The Conservancy continues to rely on community support to carry out its mission. For more information or to make a donation, visit shenandoah.org.