Southern Virginia Land Conservancy

10/02/2026

The Dan River Basin Association is asking residents and visitors to help shape the future of trails, parks, river access points and other outdoor amenities in Martinsville and Henry County.

An online survey asks people who hike, paddle, bicycle, fish, or use local parks and trails to identify the community’s existing strengths, unmet needs and priorities for future investment.

The feedback will inform the third outdoor recreation master plan developed for Martinsville-Henry County.

The survey is available through the “MHC Outdoor Rec Plan” link under “Trails and River Info” at https://www.danriver.org/ . Paper copies are available upon request.

Participants may enter a drawing for one of five prize packages valued at $100. Questions may be directed to DRBA Recreation and Stewardship Manager Anna Wheeler at [email protected].

09/08/2026

09/08/2026

Found a few Butterflies and other pollinators enjoying the early morning sunshine while doing a monitoring visit this morning!

09/01/2026

Virginia is moving forward with plans for a new 637-acre state park. 🌲

The master plan for Mayo River State Park in Henry County includes hiking and biking trails, cabins, picnic areas, water access, a fishing pier, and more.

📸 courtesy Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

07/22/2026

Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Department of Forestry will offer a Generation NEXT Legacy Planning Workshop on Saturday, Sept. 19 in South Boston.

These workshops provide free legal information and landowner stories about successful estate planning steps and strategies they have used.

Speakers include legal and financial experts experienced in estate planning as well as natural resource professionals and rural landowners.

07/13/2026

Southern Virginia Land Conservancy offering grants to qualifying landowners

The Southern Virginia Land Conservancy is offering grant payments to landowners who wish to complete a conservation easement on their farm or forest land.

Thanks to a grant from the Virginia To***co Region Revitalization Commission, Southern Virginia Land Conservancy is offering qualifying landowners grants of up to $10,000 to help offset the cost of professional services (legal and appraisal fees) necessary for completing a conservation easement.

Landowners must own land that is in active agricultural use (including forestry), and must also fall under maximum income requirements. Grant awards are available to landowners in Patrick, Henry, Pittsylvania and Halifax counties. Landowners must also meet the land conservancy’s requirements for accepting an easement on their property.

The first step is speaking with Southern Virginia Land Conservancy staff. For more information, contact Chris Holdren at (276) 224-6489 or [email protected].

07/13/2026

Today we're happy to welcome Rose Harvey as our new Stewardship Manager! Rose's job will be to ensure that all of our 150+ conserved properties on nearly 38,000 acres across 21 counties are monitored annually.

Rose interned with our organization last summer and fall. She has a degree in Ecological Restoration from Virginia Tech and is a Roanoke native.

Please join us in welcoming Rose!

07/07/2026

Today we welcome Kacie Shifflett Amstutz as our new Assistant Director! Kacie has been with us three-and-a-half years, serving as our Stewardship Manager.

In her new role, Kacie will provide leadership to staff and volunteers in our greater 16-county service area between Roanoke, Lynchburg and Danville, as well as working closely with our Blue Ridge Advisory Committee and Stewardship Committee, and ensuring that all new conservation projects pass muster before they go to our board for approval.

Kacie is a native of Rockbridge County and has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Hollins University. After graduation, she solo-hiked the Appalachian Trail. Kacie, her husband, two cats and two dogs live in Roanoke.

Welcome Kacie!

07/04/2026

Wishing you a have a safe and happy 4th of July! Be sure to stay cool in this heatwave!

We think conserving properties such as these otter's home is pretty patriotic and a great way to stay cool!

06/30/2026

Conservation win! The General Assembly approved Gov. Spanberger's budget amendment to make Oak Hill, home of President James Monroe, the next Virginia state park. Thanks to everyone who contacted Gov. Spanberger or their state legislators!

Loudoun County will be home to the Virginia’s next state park after the General Assembly on Monday approved a budget amendment by Gov. Abigail Spanberger authorizing the acquisition of the