Conservation Close to Home

The New River Land Trust works to conserve farmland, forests, open spaces, and historic places in the New River region of Southwest Virginia. Since 2002, we have helped protect over 56,000 acres of land in the region and over 26 miles of New River frontage.
Why conserve land? To protect productive farmland, wildlife habitat, scenic views, climate resilient areas, water quality, and outdoor recreation areas in our region. We use cutting-edge technology to identify land in critical need of conservation. We work with partners, including local governments, on larger land policy and conservation issues, such as the future Brush Mountain Park project. We also educate and assist landowners to conserve their land by voluntarily donating conservation easements on their property.
Our Youth Outreach program and the Nature Play Space in Heritage Park both help kids form a meaningful, healthy, and lifelong relationship with nature and the outdoors.
New! Borrow one of our new “Early Birder” Outdoor Exploration Backpacks, available to check out at any branch of the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library.
Please become a supporter or subscribe to our e-news today, and support “Conservation Close to Home“.
Upcoming Events
Banff Mountain Film Festival – Virtual Edition
From now until October 24, the New River Land Trust is hosting the 45th Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour – Virtual Edition. While we can’t host the in-person event this year, the good news is that you can see more Banff films than ever. Choose from 4, ~2 hour… Read more
News
Kid’s Perspective: Stream Conservation in Montgomery County
The New River Land Trust (NRLT) is partnering with local landowners, the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), the Skyline Soil & Water Conservation District, and the Canaan Valley Institute to improve water quality in the North Fork of the Roanoke… Read more
Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour – Virtual Edition 2021
The New River Land Trust is pleased to host the 45th Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour – Virtual Edition. While we can’t host the in-person event this year, the good news is that you can see more Banff films than ever. Choose from 4 different programs (Amber, Onyx, Ruby… Read more
Brush Mountain Trails Update – November 2020
The Brush Mountain Trails Project is moving forward! About 80% of trail construction on Property 1 is complete. A new .5 mile technical mountain biking trail was approved and built this fall. The Poverty Creek Trails Coalition is coordinating volunteers to finish work on trails that were built this past… Read more
Water is Life In North Fork
In the Catawba Valley, just 10 minutes or so from Blacksburg, a federally endangered species of fish, the Roanoke logperch, is getting some much-needed help. The New River Land Trust (NRLT) is partnering with local landowners, the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Virginia Department of Wildlife… Read more
Explore the Outdoors with New Backpack Program
NEW! Early Birders Outdoor Exploration Backpacks are now available to check out all branches of the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library System (MFRL). The Early Birders Backpacks include binoculars, bird guides, and activities. Visit the Outdoor Exploration Backpack page to view the Early Birders backpack tutorial and see other resources. In early… Read more