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
News
Phase 1 of New Trail System Nears Completion
Phase 1 of the Brush Mountain Trails Project is nearing completion. With over 2 miles of new trails and an upgrade of an existing roadbed, there are now 5 miles of trails on Brush Mountain Property 1, just minutes from downtown Blacksburg. While volunteers work to complete Phase 1, we’re… Read more
NEW! Online Resources for Families
Since this summer may not be filled with summer camps and vacations to faraway places, we’ve pulled together some of the best resources from around the Internet for learning about nature, science, and the outdoors. Learn about birds, try your hand at mapping, go on a virtual field trip, discover… Read more
NRLT Donates Land to Expand Natural Area Preserve
NRLT has donated a 66-acre property in Floyd County to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, completing a conservation project that began several years ago and involved numerous public and private partners. The land is now permanently protected as part of the Camp Branch Wetlands Natural Area Preserve. The… Read more
Update on Brush Mountain Trails
Wednesday, June 24, was GiveLocalNRV, the New River Valley’s seventh annual local day of giving (formerly GiveBigNRV Day). This virtual day of giving allowed nonprofits like the Land Trust the chance to raise money for the benefit of our community, particularly during the ongoing COVID19 crisis when in-person events are… Read more
NRLT Partners with Agrarian Trust to Increase Access to Affordable Farmland
The Land Trust has been conserving farmland in the New River region for many years, and we’re always looking for additional options to support agriculture in our rural community. Thanks to a new partnership with the Agrarian Trust, we’re joining communities around the nation to announce the formation of the… Read more