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
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
Volunteers Spruce Up Pollinator Garden at Nature Play Space
Thanks to volunteers from New River Valley Master Naturalists, Sustainable Blacksburg, and the New River Valley Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society, our pollinator garden the the Nature Play Space in Heritage Park got a makeover this summer. Volunteers did lots of weeding, and recently added some new plants… Read more
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