We hope you enjoy this issue of Saving Nearby Nature from the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust . Let us know if you have any questions or suggestions.

        Northern Virginia Conservation Trust

     Saving Nearby Nature                  February 2017
Happy Valentine's Day from the land! 
A Virginia native plant                                              Photo by Judy Gallagher, licensed under CC BY 2.0
News                                                Read about nearby nature
 
Cathal Armstrong, chef of Restaurant Eve in Alexandria, is a leader in local farm-to-table efforts, and he's the featured speaker at NVCT's conservation event on Thursday, Mar. 30, at the Tyson's Corner Marriott, 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Chef Armstrong purchases from farms that share his values of quality and sustainability, and showcases the best hand-fed, farm-raised, and organically grown bounty that Virginia and the surrounding countryside have to offer. The restaurant's own garden provides herbs and fruits. Everything on the menu has a story and every ingredient is special.  

Save the date, and join us! More information is on our website, www.nvct.org.
Alan Ford (r) offers tips about invasive plants
Volunteer workday at Salona Feb. 25
J oin NVCT and Fairfax Master Naturalists for a series of workdays to clear invasive species at the historic Salona property in McLean. Help control aggressive plant species such as English Ivy, Oriental Bittersweet, and Autumn Olive. The property is protected by a conservation easement, and slated to become a Fairfax County Park. Get information on the upcoming cleanups through April at Salona Meadows
controlled burn at Elklick
Controlled burn at a Fairfax County park
Many people think of fire and burning natural areas as a threat to safety. However, a controlled or "prescribed" burn is a forest management technique that improves forest health and reduces the risk of wildfire. Fairfax County Parks conduct prescribed burns, including at Elklick Woodlands Natural Area Preserve in Centreville, where NVCT holds a conservation easement on the land. For more information, read about the history and use of prescribed burns in Fairfax County, and see the Virginia Department of Forestry's website for more resources.
capitol building Speak up for the Environment!
Advocacy Training Workshop March 18 

Join with other environmentalists and learn strategies to bring about change. The workshop is Saturday, Mar. 18, 1:30-4:30 p.m. at Green Spring Garden Park (see website for location details). Topics include citizen advocacy tip, advocacy tools, and local success stories. NVCT is one of several co-sponsors for the event. 
Conserved land along Little Hunting Creek                                       Photo by Paul Siegel

Please contact us with any questions about the Trust and our work
703-354-5093  |  4022-A Hummer Rd. Annandale, VA 22003  | email info@nvct.org