Riding To Preserve Priceless Open Space

A recent conservation trail ride was all about appreciating the glory of the local land.

Riding To Preserve Priceless Open Space

By Marcia Woolman

The nonprofit Orange County Hunt Conservation Foundation (OCHCF) is dedicated to fostering the conservation of Northern Virginia’s open spaces and rural landscapes.

OCHCF, a 501-c-3, strives to enhance community knowledge and appreciation of the care needed to protect rural landscapes and preserve the diverse wildlife habitats that nourish the native plants and remarkable animals that share the Virginia countryside.

While the OCHCF is totally independent from Orange County Hounds (OCH), it shares many of the same goals, including protecting more than 35,000 acres of land and water. OCHCF organizes activities for landowners, neighbors and friends to enjoy trail rides and nature hikes in this territory so that they may experience the exhilaration of being out and enjoying this special place where we live and recreate.

The 2020 OCHCF trail ride in October was just as successful as last year’s initial effort to engage with those who live here, and who want to know more about the land and the wildlife, so they might better enjoy it, value it for its beauty, and learn more about ways to preserve and nurture it.

The area selected for this year’s ride was Stoke Farm owned by the Morison family. They have a long hunting tradition and also have an intense desire to protect the land from development and any other environmental threats.

Eleanor and Dulany Morison hosted the trail ride and as the 35-plus riders prepared to depart, OCHCF President Rae Stone introduced the participants to the goals and mission of the organization on the lawn of the Stoke manor house. The event provided an expanded opportunity for a diverse group of equestrians to experience a unique section of the Bull Run Mountain’ s valleys, ridges and slopes.

The more you know, the more you want to protect it. Each new season begins when nature puts on her splashy bright colored robe. The ride occurred on an almost perfect windless autumn day, with not a cloud in the sky. It provided participants a kaleidoscope of color and gorgeous views, with plenty of smiles and laughter for one and all along the merry way.

OCHCF activities are free, but donations are accepted for use toward the goal of strengthening the bond between landowners, visitors and the countryside. OCHCF, also is building an educational program on environmental safeguards, like conservation easements, or providing information on tree planting, especially in riparian areas like stream edges and protection for wetlands.

The spring nature walk will focus on finding and learning the importance of native trees and shrubs, with a better understanding of how this all works together.

Marcia Woolman, a long-time area resident and conservationist, is chair of OCNCF’s Education and Community Outreach Committee.