Saving Land IN WESTERN VIRGINIA
FALL 2013
BRLC Founder & Greenways Advocate Lucy Ellett Selected for Vic Thomas Award Al Hammond Selected for Land Saver Award You’re Invited to the 2013 Conservation Celebration Local Roots Restaurant fundraiser to benefit BRLC blueridgelandconservancy.org
Blue Ridge Land Conservancy Promoting the conservation of western Virginia’s natural resources – farms, forests, waterways, and rural landscapes. 722 First St., SW, Suite L Roanoke, VA 24016-4120 Phone/Fax (540) 985-0000 www.blueridgelandconservancy.org
Board of Trustees Sandy Light, President Stephen M. Claytor, Vice President F. Fulton Galer, Treasurer Whitney H. Feldmann, Secretary M. Rupert Cutler Lucy R. Ellett Peter M. Fellers Broaddus C. Fitzpatrick Quinn F. Graeff William M. Hackworth Robert H. Hunt Anne M. Jennings Betty H. Lesko Samuel B. Long J.W. “Bill” Mason David N. Maxson Linda W. Pharis Janet Scheid
Advisory Council Liza T. Field Talfourd H. Kemper Robert B. Lambeth, Jr. Barbara B. Lemon Stephen W. Lemon Jeanne M. Martin John B. Williamson, III
Staff David C. Perry Executive Director Diana M. Hackenburg Project Manager Saving Land Editor Cover Photo: Lucy Ellett stands on her family’s property in Roanoke.
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Photo by Diana Fall 2013 Hackenburg.
From the Director’s Desk I’m preaching to the choir!
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t’s true—if you’re reading this message in the fall edition of Saving Land magazine, it’s probably because you’re already a supporter of the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy. And you probably already understand the importance of saving land, while we still can, while it’s still there. So, I’d like to say thank you. I’d also like to present you with a challenge. It’s not a hard challenge. It doesn’t involve dieting or cutting back on anything, or even sweating. Here is your challenge: Tell a friend about the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy! That’s all you have to do. Simply tell someone who doesn’t know about the land conservancy about the work that you support with your money, your volunteer hours and your advocacy. I’ll even give you some talking points. (These are nice talking points, not the nasty ones they talk about on cable TV news shows.) What is the land conservancy? The Blue Ridge Land Conservancy is a local non-profit that protects what makes our region a special place: mountaintops, farms, rivers, streams and all the beautiful scenery that we enjoy. What have they done? Since they were founded in 1996, they’ve protected over 16,000 acres of land and 34 miles of streams, including Mill Mountain, Carvins Cove, parts of Read Mountain, land along the Peaks of Otter and Blue Ridge Parkway, sections of the Roanoke, James and Little Rivers, and much, much more. How did they do all this? The Blue Ridge Land Conservancy works with landowners who want to forever keep their land in its natural or rural state. The conservancy and the landowner sign a legal agreement called a conservation
easement that describes how the land will be protected from sprawl and overdevelopment in the future. Isn’t that bad for economic growth? Not at all! In fact, quite the opposite. The Blue Ridge Land Conservancy forever protects the beautiful natural amenities that draw entrepreneurs, new businesses and talented employees to the region. And by state law, the land conservancy can only protect land identified by each county as agricultural or conservation land in its comprehensive plan. Is it good for the environment? You bet! Conserved land ensures that our children and theirs will have clean water to drink, fresh air to breathe, beautiful views to nourish their souls, places to grow local food, and open space for wildlife to roam and plants and trees to grow. Why do they need my support? The conservancy needs your support for two reasons: first, to work with new landowners who want to explore ways to conserve their land, and second, to monitor and enforce the existing conservation agreements (43 total) that the conservancy already has in place. How can I help? Call the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy at (540) 9850000, e-mail David Perry at dperry@ blueridgelandconservancy.org, find them on Facebook or visit their website at blueridgelandconservancy.org. I hope these little tidbits help you put into words what the l a nd co n s e r v a n c y does. And once again, thank you. We simply could not do this work without you.
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President’s Point of View
friend recently told me that he thought that our annual Conservation Celebration was “the very best party of the year.” I’m prejudiced, but I certainly agree and am really looking forward to September 22! This party celebrates not only our organization’s conservation Sandy Light achievements, but also the legacy of two very special people. Lucy Ellett of Roanoke will receive our A. Victor Thomas Environmental Stewardship Award in recognition of her contributions to the preservation of Virginia’s natural heritage. Many people are not aware of all of Lucy’s leadership roles in countless projects throughout the state which have significantly enhanced our entire region’s quality of life. Her modest nature masks her exceptional accomplishments. For example, I just discovered (via the newspaper—and she is one of my dearest friends!) that she (“The Champion of Roanoke’s Trail System”) initiated our terrific Greenway network. Her role in the establishment and successes of our land conservancy has been exceptional.
Al Hammond of Roanoke County, recipient of our Land Saver Award, has placed over 300 acres of his beautiful farm into conservation easements. These easements conserve land which protects both important viewsheds from the Blue Ridge Parkway as well as the water quality of the Roanoke River. He and his wife Nancy have hosted many weddings in their Boxtree Lodge and host our Celebration at Braeloch (a gorgeous 12,000 sq. ft. meeting place with outstanding views) along with corporate and other group events. Al is planning a venue for the performing arts as well as outdoor areas along the river for recreation. He is an invaluable promoter of agritourism and certainly merits this award. Lastly (but certainly not least), I’d like to express our sincere appreciation for the continuing support of our outstanding Celebration sponsors (whose advertisements appear in this publication), without whom our mission could not be fulfilled. Thank you so much! I’ll be looking forward to seeing you on the 22nd!
Table of Contents Fall 2013
Features
Departments
4 6 7 20
2 3 5 8-9 10 11-12
Invitation to the Conservation Celebration Environmentalist Lucy Ellett Works in the Trenches Land Saver Al Hammond 3rd Land+Link Photo Competition
From the Director’s Desk President’s Point of View News & Events Program Updates Conservation News People & Places
City of Roanoke skyline as seen from Braeloch, site of the 2013 Conservation Celebration. Photo by Johnathan Roberts.
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You’re Invited to the 8th Annual Conservation Celebration
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oin us for the the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy’s annual Conservation Celebration on Sunday, September 22 and help honor the conservation work of Lucy Ellett and Al Hammond. The celebration features a one-of-a-kind gourmet, local foods feast by Blue Ridge Catering that can be paired with Virginia beer, hard cider, or wine. Live music by Easy Pickins will help you relax before and after dinner. And don’t forget to spend a few minutes marveling at Braeloch’s natural beauty, preserved forever by a conservation easement. The night’s highlight will be a silent auction full of unique items and experiences. Bid on a glider ride for two, a weekend at the Homestead, a trip for four in a classic Rolls Royce to dinner at the Regency Room, restaurant gift certificates, and more! This year, we are proud to recognize the outstanding land conservation efforts of two individuals who have dedicated their time to promoting the preservation and active enjoyment of southwest Virginia’s natural resources. Mrs. Lucy Ellett will receive the 2013 A. Victor Thomas Environmental Stewardship Award and Mr. Al Hammond will receive the 2013 Land Saver Award. To learn more about these stalwart individuals, turn to pages 6-7 of this issue of Saving Land in Western Virginia. Pre-sale tickets for the Conservation Celebration are $55 per person and can be purchased until September 13. After that date tickets will be $65 per person. All food and beverages are included in the ticket price and children under the age of 12 are free.
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Janet and Ned Yost accept the 2012 Land Saver Award
A silent auction offers entertainment throughout the evening
For more information and to RSVP, visit blueridgelandconservancy.org/celebration. We look forward to spending an unforgettable evening of food, fun, and friends with you.
2012 Conservation Celebration photos by Johnathan Roberts.
News & Events
Help Save Land by Eating Local By Laura Lemon
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eave the house and dine at Local Roots Restaurant on Thursday, October 10 to support the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy. Restaurant owner Diane Elliot has graciously agreed to donate a portion of the night’s proceeds to the land conservancy. “We decided to host this event again because we believe in the organization,” said Diane Elliot. “We really enjoyed it last year and enjoyed all the people who came out to support the BRLC.” Local Roots is located in Grandin Village, right next to the timeless Grandin Theatre. The restaurant is committed to serving local organic products and providing healthy meals to its customers. Its philosophy, “S.O.L.E.: Sustainable, Organic, Local, Ethical,” goes hand-and-hand with the mission of the land conservancy.
“Our aims are certainly related,” said Diane Elliot. “From a restaurant perspective, the BRLC saves farms and land. On a larger perspective, the BRLC helps limit rural development so that we all can enjoy the beauty of outdoor and wild land.” Protecting these small, local farms and keeping the farm lands actively working are part of the land conservancy’s mission. The Bright Farm in Floyd, VA is under a conservation easement and sells organic meats to restaurants like Local Roots. The Bright Farm exemplifies the intertwined relationship between Local Roots and the land conservancy. Local Roots serves dinner from 5 to 10 pm on 1314 Grandin Rd. SW next to the Grandin Theatre and across the street from the Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op. So, make a night of October 10! Come out and enjoy a delicious dinner at Local Roots and support the BRLC at the same time! Photo courtesy of ryanstonephoto.com
Race for Open Space Draws Crowd By Emily Blanton
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n June 1st, the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy held its 5th Annual Race for Open Space at Green Hill Park in Roanoke County. The race saw growth in registered runners and walkers as almost 160 participants came out to run and walk the course. This year, the race raised over $7,000 for the land trust’s preservation work. The established 3K course through the park and surrounding trails had 55 runners and walkers. Mark Joyce of Bassett came in first place with a time of 12:55. In 3K participant Tucker Osburn, 4, poses addition to the 3K for a post-race photo with his family. course, the 5K course was very popular with over 100 runners in just its second year. Joe Cotter of Roanoke finished first for his second time in a row with a top time of 18:33. For the full list of finishers, visit blueridgelandconservancy.org/race.
The day was made extra special by the kids’ activities provided by the Western Virginia Water Authority and Mountain Castles Soil and Water Conservation District. Though the weather was hot, many people, including the families of runners, cheered on from the sidelines of the course and enjoyed delicious ice cream donated by Homestead Creamery.
3K participant Toby Tate, 9, learns about macroinvertebrates from Erica Moore of the Mountain Castles Soil and Water Conservation District.
Thank you again to our many event sponsors who contributed both cash and in-kind donations that helped us put together such an outstanding community event. Also, special thanks to our volunteers who donated their time to making the race a huge success.
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Environmentalist Lucy Ellett Works in the Trenches Receives 2013 A. Victor Thomas Environmental Stewardship Award By George Kegley
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f you want to save land, be sure Lucy Ellett is on your side. In recognition of her years of work, Ellett, a founder and a leader in Roanoke Valley environmental organizations, will receive the A. Victor Thomas Stewardship Award from the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy at its annual Granddaughter Catherine, Lucy, Conservation Celebration on and granddaughter Lucy Paige Sunday, September 22. Starting as president of the Junior League of Roanoke Valley, Lucy Ellett has worked in the trenches, helping organize the Western Virginia Land Trust, now the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy, as well as the Roanoke Valley Greenways system and Valley Beautiful. She recalls conversations with builder Jay Turner of Turner Long Construction over concerns for the future of the Virginia Tech farm in the Catawba Valley. The need for a conservation easement to protect that land led to the formation of the Land Trust and selection of Rupert Cutler as the first director. Serving on the Land Trust/Land Conservancy board since its beginning in 1996, with a few years off for rotation, Ellett said she “loves the way the organization has developed, a balanced group,” with real estate and development people serving along with conservationists. “Everybody listens to each other.” She sees “more appreciation of open space…and more interest in birds and animals” by the public, as well as state recognition of the value of conservation easements. As a true environmentalist, she hopes in the future “people will pay more attention to rivers and pollution.” Ellett remembers another conversation with Bob Fetzer, a local builder, about the success of greenways in Chattanooga which led to efforts for initial funding from local governments and the employment of Liz Belcher to start the popular Roanoke Valley greenways. Also, she worked for more than 10 years to start a valley recycling program. With some help, her perseverance paid off and four recycling centers began collecting tons of trash. A hard worker with no concern for personal recognition, she has made many contacts to help fund non-profits through personal meetings, hand-written notes and phone calls. As 6
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chair of the Land Conservancy’s Government Relations Committee, her voice has been heard by members of the Roanoke City Council, General Assembly and Congress. She has received Conservation Awards from the Garden Club of Virginia and the Garden Club of America. Her fund-raising work has extended to Center in the Square, the board of governors of the Foundation for Roanoke Valley, the Mill Mountain Garden Club and Second Presbyterian Church and she’s served on the board of Richfield Retirement Center and the local BB&T Bank board. Lucy Ellett and her husband, Frank, live in an attractive setting at Poplar Hill, a sturdy brick home built by her grandfather in 1910, surrounded by old trees and green pasture on an 85-acre farm fronting on Lee Highway in west Roanoke. Here she watches over 15 bluebird boxes, mows a large yard and picks cherries and berries with two small granddaughters, Lucy Paige and Katherine, who live with their parents, Russ and Heather Ellett, in a family home nearby. The question of a conservation easement to protect their suburban farm, surrounded by commercial development and residential areas, occasionally comes up. “It’s Russ’s call now,” she said. Russ Ellett works with his father in the family business, Virginia Truck Center, at Hollins. The Elletts also have a daughter, Sinclair, who lives with her husband, David Gillespie, and their three sons, Harrison, Richard and Walker, in Charlotte. Lucy Ellett has a brother, Dr. William S. Russell Jr., a retired neurologist, who lives in Florida. She grew up in that nearby home of her son, the daughter of William and Lucy Russell and the granddaughter of J. Sinclair Brown, a prominent Salem banker and speaker of the House of Delegates in the 1930s. As a child, she rode her horse around the farm. Brown once had extensive acreage, extending across Lee Highway to the Roanoke River and west to the present Lewis-Gale Hospital site. A biology graduate of the former Randolph-Macon (now Randolph) College, she married Frank Ellett and worked briefly as a social worker in Norfolk while he was in the Navy. She taught biology at a Charlottesville school when Frank Ellett was in graduate school at the University of Virginia. They moved back to Roanoke and Frank Ellett worked for Carter Machinery until he bought a trucking company and established the Virginia Truck Center.
Land Saver Al Hammond Awarded for Conservation Work By George Kegley
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rive east of Vinton on the Hardy Road, turn right after the Blue Ridge Parkway, and you soon will be in the midst of a 326-acre, scenic, hilltop farm where Al Hammond is developing a center for weddings, corporate meetings and music events. Hammond, who is protecting his farm with two conservation easements held by the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy, will be recognized with the Land Saver Award at the Conservation Celebration Sunday, Sept. 22. After booking his Boxtree Lodge for weddings and Braeloch meeting/social center for this year and most of 2014, he’s starting to build On the Glen at Glenburn, a 9,000-squarefoot, six-sided building for music performances and plays. He hopes to have it under roof before winter and in operation by fall 2014. Hammond, a third-generation printer in Roanoke, has turned from farming the hilltop to hospitality venues, capitalizing on the sweeping views across the mountains and much of the Roanoke Valley. He wants “to protect the land and have the income to support it.” With the new building, “we’ve got to keep growing,” he added. But he’s still printing, in a busy life. Hammond and wife Nancy run Printech, a small business forms company in Southwest Roanoke which sends court forms and traffic tickets to other printers. They just renewed a five-year contract with a major customer. His grandfather, Albin Hammond, and his father, Lynn Hammond, operated Hammond Printing & Litho Works on South Jefferson Street for almost a century. Grandson Al started his own printing business years ago. On the Glen at Glenburn will be “a little nicer” place where a law firm could entertain its clients and employees with a
Charlie Byrd, Al Hammond, and Dave Perry meet to discuss placement of the new music center.
special music event, he said. It will be a pole barn, enclosed with doors like Braeloch, and it will have two windows overlooking the scenic Roanoke River gorge across from Explore Park and a patio all around the building. Future plans are for use of trails and roads leading down to the Roanoke River. “We never finish work…this is fun for us.” A grandson and nearby farmers help out as needed. The Hammonds live in an 1823 brick house his mother, Mary Kirk Hammond, bought in 1934. After he grew up, Al Hammond began buying neighboring farmland more than 50 years ago. He raised livestock there until he had an interest in hospitality or agritourism, the business of bring visitors to farmland. George Kegley has served on the Land Trust board since its formation. He and his wife, Louise, placed a conservation easement on their Northeast Roanoke farm, one of only two in the city, as well as an historic easement on their 1845 home, Monterey.
Past Recipients of the A. Victor Thomas Environmental Stewardship Award
Past Recipients of the Land Saver Award
2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006
2012 2010
Barbara Lemon of Roanoke George & Louise Kegley of Roanoke Dr. M. Rupert Cutler of Roanoke Virginia Governor Tim Kaine City of Roanoke, Virginia Lanier and Thecla Frantz of New Castle Madison and Charlotte Marye of Elliston
Ned and Janet Yost of Charlottesville Jim and Esta Wilson of Martinsville
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Program Updates
Plants, and Soils, and Bugs, Oh My! “My mom plants that in our garden!” “Can I taste the Lamb’s Ear?”
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he chorus of children commenting and asking questions about plants could be heard again this spring on the playground of Grandin Court Elementary School. For the second year in a row, the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy sponsored the school’s garden club, a six-week afterschool program. This year, the club grew to over 43 students, grades kindergarten through fifth, all with a desire to get outside Garden club students plant flowers in front and get dirty. of Grandin Court Elementary.
What started as an outreach activity for the land conservancy has turned into one of the most popular activities at the school. Once a week, students met under the school’s outdoor pavilion to learn about plants and gardening. Club meetings started with small lessons about plant-related topics and ended with opportunities for the students to learn and practice hands-on gardening skills. Students weeded, hoed, and planted five raised beds which are now full of vegetables like cabbage and tomatoes, herbs like sage and cilantro, and flowers like marigolds.
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When asked about their favorite part of garden club, most of the students would say “planting!” However, many of the students also mentioned learning about soils, scouting for garden bugs, and creating compost. An obvious favorite of the students was also the club’s last meeting this year which featured a tasting of edible plant parts. Students learned that we eat many different plant parts depending on what tastes good. We eat roots (radishes), stems (celery), leaves (chard), flowers (cauliflower), and seeds (sunflower seeds). Somewhat surprisingly, many of the students tried and liked most of the options presented to them! It goes to show that it’s all in the presentation when it comes to food. The garden club program relies on the generous support of local business including Lowe’s, Mulch N’More, Northwest Hardware Brambleton, Scotts Miracle Gro, and Townside Gardens. The program would also not be possible without the time and support given by parent volunteers. This year, we are especially grateful to Kim Selvey and Amanda Stafford for their assistance. The garden planted by our club continues to thrive and we hope to continue it well into the future. We would also like to expand the program to other schools within our service area. If you know a school or a teacher that might be interested in starting a garden program, or if you’re a gardener willing to share your expertise or old/extra supplies, please contact us at dhackenburg@blueridgelandconservancy.org.
The 2013 Grandin Court Garden Club poses for a photo on their last day.
Program Updates
VaULT Comes to Roanoke
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n April 18, professionals, interested volunteers, and landowners from across the state crowded into a room in the Hotel Roanoke to discuss the future of land conservation in Virginia. Participants listened intently to the distinguished panel of speakers which included Chuck Roe, Land Trust Alliance Southeast Director; Phil Hocker, Conservation Service Company LLC; Gerald McCarthy, Virginia Environmental Endowment; Heather Richards, Piedmont Environmental Council; and Roanoke’s own Rupert Cutler, Blue Ridge Land Conservancy Board Member and former Executive Director. While no single vision for the future emerged, plenty of good ideas for carrying land conservation forward in a positive direction did, which was precisely the objective of the meeting. This meeting took place as part of the 2013 Virginia Land Conservation Conference, planned by Virginia’s United Land Trusts (VaULT) and hosted in Roanoke by the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy. Over 100 people attended the two day conference (April 16-18) and were able to choose from informative seminars, engaging roundtables, networking sessions, featured speakers, a bird walk and an evening dinner on Mill Mountain. Back at the Hotel Roanoke, highlights included the aforementioned panel on the future of land conservation as well as speeches by local landowner and businessman David Hurt and author Jay Leutze. Born in Virginia and trained as an attorney, Jay Leutze is a leading voice for state and
federal conservation funding for investment in public lands. Jay authored the 2012 book “Stand Up That Mountain” from which he read during his talk. His book chronicles a fiveyear struggle to shut down an illegal mining operation near his home in the mountains of western North Carolina. Va U LT i s a c o a l i t i o n of approximately 50 organizations that are dedicated to the protection of local, regional and statewide natural and cultural resources which contribute to the ecological, social, and economic well-being of Virginia’s communities. This is the first time VaULT has brought their conference to Roanoke and the first conference organized by the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy. Conference participants expressed great satisfaction overall with the conference, the Hotel Roanoke, and the city in general. We hope all of the participants are able to take what they heard and learned to strengthen conservation efforts across the Commonwealth and we look forward to hearing their success stories next year!
Conference attendees dine on Mill Mountain
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Conservation News
Agritourism in a Creative Economy The Marriage of Agriculture and Tourism
and corporate events. And it’s the dairy farm that lures you in with promises of fresh churned butter and ice cream. Agritourism, as demonstrated in the workshop, is essentially limited only by one’s imagination and enthusiasm.
City of Roanoke students visit the conserved Bright Farm in Floyd Co.
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or Patty Leonard and her family, caring for their herd of 300-plus dairy cows on their Fauquier County farm is a way of life. But so is catering to the needs of the thousands who visit their farm every year. The Leonards operate “Cows-n-Corn,” an agritainment venture that started simply with a few school groups and now includes a corn maze, all-you-can-eat corn contest, and haunted hayride. Beginning in the fall of 2001, the Leonard’s created a corn maze for the public and paired it with a simple tour of their farm. Despite setbacks in their first years, their offerings grew, eventually providing a secondary income to the dairy farm that helped put their three girls through school. “Cows-n-Corn” continues to grow and change with the times, but one thing remains the same: their driving goal is to get people on the farm so they can hear the too often untold story of Virginia’s agriculture. That story, along with the Leonard’s personal tale, was narrated to a local audience on May 8th at Braeloch in Roanoke County. The workshop, entitled “Agritourism in a Creative Economy” was sponsored by Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, and Virginia Tourism Corporation in partnership with Virginia Mountain Country Center, LLC and the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy. Landowners, agriculture board members, Soil and Water Conservation District representatives, county planners, and tourism professionals gathered to hear about economic opportunities labeled as “agritourism.” Agritourism, though expressly defined by the state legislature, is merely the marriage of agriculture and tourism. It’s the winery that invites you for a tour of their vines and a taste of their pinot. It’s the local entrepreneur who opens his property up for weddings 10
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What does agritourism have to do with land conservation? Land conservation is complementary to agritourism ventures as illustrated by the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy’s recent easement with Al Hammond on his Boxtree Lodge and Braeloch properties. Conservation easements are tailored to each individual property and encourage the continuation of agriculture and rural uses that add to and protect the property’s rural character. In fact, conservation can even be useful to agritourism by providing the seed money for a new venture through the various tax benefits associated with the donation of an easement.
20 Agritourism Ideas for Virginia Farms 1. Barn dance 2. Birthday parties 3. Cooking classes 4. Corn mazes 5. Corporate events 6. Farm stores 7. Farm vacations 8. Haunted barns 9. Hay wagon rides 10. Horseback riding
11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
Hunting Music concerts Painting Photography Pick-your own School tours Snow sledding Stargazing Weddings Wineries
The USDA’s census of agriculture estimated that in the US, 23,000 farms offered agritourism activities in 2007, bringing in an average of $24,300 each in additional income. This infusion into rural communities increase farm values, provides families with recreational opportunities, educates the public about agriculture, and creates connections between rural and urban communities. Tourism is the Commonwealth’s second biggest industry – behind agriculture – and it can play an integral part of economic development here in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Landowners and community members interested in learning more about agritourism opportunities should contact the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or the Virginia Cooperative Extension for more information.
Conservation News
Artist & Conservationist Nan Mahone Wellborn Paints for Award Winners landowners and conservationists and spend time on their land. I love hearing about their farms and interests in the land; how they came about the land; their trials, hopes, and plans for the future…all of these feelings and thoughts inspire my view and spur me to try to capture their spirit in the finished painting.” This year marks the seventh year that Nan has produced a painting to give to the A. Victor Thomas Environmental Stewardship Award winner.
Nan Mahone Wellborn (left) painted this scene for 2009 A. Victor Thomas Award Winner and then Governor Tim Kaine (right) shown here with his wife Anne (middle).
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an Mahone Wellborn is a landscape painter whose home base is in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Primarily she paints in oils outside, along the banks of rivers or ponds that offer reflections and movement. When the weather isn’t friendly, she seeks out a window view or a still life. Observation is at the root of her work. The Blue Ridge Land Conservancy inspired Nan’s interest in open space land conservation. Nan tell us, “It has been an absolute delight and honor to meet the award winning
When Nan was growing up, painting her mother’s expertly designed flower arrangements was a sure means to keep her busy. These early artistic efforts fostered in her an interest in the observational painting of nature and colorful landscapes as they are affected by light. The artistic support of her husband, Bill, along with the guidance of local artists and the company of good friends continues to enhance her work. She complements her interest in the landscape by working with Conservation Partners, LLC to assist in the development of farm and forest land conservation easement donations with landowners throughout Virginia. Nan’s work is available at The Market Gallery Roanoke, Va., Hamilton–Robbins in Lexington, Va. and Fort Lewis Lodge. Her paintings are found in public and private collections up and down the East Coast. Learn more about Nan at nanmahonewellborn.com or contact her at nanmahonewellborn@gmail.com.
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Mark. R. Finkler, D.V.M. Bridget M. Quatmann, D.V.M. Bridget L. Hickman, D.V.M. Thomas S. Blaszak, D.V.M. Suzanne Nelson, D.V.M. Accredited by: American Animal Hospital Association
Compliments of Mr. and Mrs. Peter L. Via
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People & Places
Fresh Faces and Old Friends Join Board the BRLC board include attorney Quinn Graeff of Roanoke and community volunteer Betty Lesko of Moneta.
Left to right: Quinn Graeff, Bill Hackworth, Anne Jennings, Betty Lesko
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he Blue Ridge Land Conservancy Board of Trustees has appointed four new members to serve for the 20132014 fiscal year, including two former members and two new appointees. Former members returning to the board include Bill Hackworth of Roanoke, retired City Attorney for the City of Roanoke, and community volunteer Anne Jennings of Roanoke. New appointees serving their first-ever term on
Due to term limits, three of our board members will be stepping down from the board for at least one year. These members include Lynn Davis, George Kegley, and Jay Turner. All three have had a tremendous influence on the growth of the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy that we hope to build upon in the future. In addition to these changes, all four of last year’s officers were reappointed to fill their same positions. This includes Sandy Light of Roanoke as president, Steve Claytor of Roanoke County as vice president, F. Fulton Galer of Roanoke as treasurer, and Whitney Feldmann of Roanoke as secretary.
Locals Gain Conservation Experience through Summer Internships
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Emily Blanton (left) and Laura Lemon (right)
his summer, the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy was lucky enough to have not one, but two hard-working interns. Emily Blanton and Laura Lemon, both native Roanokers, used their summer vacations to help our organization and learn about land conservation.
Emily Blanton will begin her third year at the University of Virginia this fall where she is working toward a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with a minor in Global Sustainability. In addition to her work at the land conservancy this summer, Emily also interned with the Clean Valley Council and worked at Jimmy Sardines. She first heard about the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy from board member Whitney Feldmann who serves with Emily’s mother on the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation board. Laura Lemon will begin her sophomore year at Washington & Lee University this fall. Currently, she’s undecided on 12
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a major, but is considering mass communications, art history, or environmental studies (or a combination of all three!). Laura’s no stranger to the land conservancy having already interned for the organization in the summer of 2011 while still in high school. Her father Stephen Lemon, an attorney, is a member of the land conservancy’s Advisory Council and recommended it to Laura because of her love of the outdoors. When asked about their reasons for interning with the land conservancy, both Emily and Laura noted they enjoy spending time outdoors. As part of their experience, they joined BRLC staff on a number of annual monitoring inspections of conserved properties. “Site visits are my favorite part of interning so far,” said Emily. “It’s nice to get out in the field and see what you’re working hard to conserve.” “We live in such a culturally rich place (southwest Virginia) with Roanoke being the center,” said Emily. “The Blue Ridge Land Conservancy plays a large role in getting people to protect and appreciate what we have.” Laura added, “I love the outdoors and it’s great to work to protect the land. It’s important to make sure people are aware and self-conscious of their actions and that they know the small things really do count.”
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Committed to the Environment. Our products contribute directly to the environmental movement, as they are produced from 100 percent recycled materials.
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Quality products for every project. 319 McClanahan St. SW (540) 345-0936
Roanoke, VA 24014 www.becpas.com
Grow Forward
Proud Sponsors of the 2013 Conservation Celebration
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Fulton Galer, Partner 540.342.6911 | fgaler@cbh.com
Aggregate • Asphalt • Block • Concrete For CCCmore 0713 information, WVLT ad.pdf call 1 (800) 7/1/13442-8878 1:47 PM or visit boxley.com
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Engineers Engineers •• Geologists Geologists •• Scientists Scientists •• Planners Planners Rocky Rocky Mount, Mount, VA VA 540-483-5975 540-483-5975 www.earthenv.com www.earthenv.com
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Roanoke, VA | Piney Flats, TN | Holly Springs, NC | Winchester, VA
Real Estate Services
Farms • Land • Estate Properties • Conservation Easements Properties
Conservation is at the heart of everything we do.
Specializing in conservation easement, land, farm and estate appraisals Farms • Land • Estate Properties • Conservation Serving the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy area as well as Easements Properties Central and Southwest Virginia Minded Real Estate Company 435 McClanahanConservation St., SW ● Roanoke, VA 24014 (540) 345-3233 ● www.millerlongandassociates.com
Jim Woltz
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800-551-3588 www.woltz.com
Conservation Minded Real Estate Company
Jim Woltz
Licensed in 19 States from New York to Florida.
Preserving our precious natural resources for future generations has been at the core of the Orvis Company since we got our start in 1856. today, we donate 5% of our annual pre-tax profits to organizations that protect fish and wildlife habitat. visit www.orvis.com/conservation to learn more. Orvis rOANOKE 19 Campbell Ave. roanoke, vA 24011 www.orvis.com/roanoke
800-551-3588 www.woltz.com
Specializing in conservation easement, land, farm and estate appraisals Licensed in 19 States from New York to Florida. Serving the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy area as well as Central and Southwest Virginia 435 McClanahan St., SW ● Roanoke, VA 24014 (540) 345-3233 ● www.millerlongandassociates.com
Orvis sErviCE CENtEr 1711 Blue Hills Dr. NE roanoke, vA 24012
Put our experience, training and knowledge to work for you. Samuel B. Long, MAI, CRE, SRA slong@millerlong.com
Jared L. Schweitzer jschweitzer@millerlong.com
YOUR DRIVEWAY HAS SEEN MORE ACTION THAN YOU CAN POSSIBLY IMAGINE. Samuel B. Long, MAI, CRE, SRA slong@millerlong.com
(But don’t worry, that’s ancient history.) As part of our commitment to the values of being green and being sustainable, Lanford Brothers Co., Inc. reuses as much site waste as possible, including recycling milled asphalt into residential driveways like yours.
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Phone (540) 992-2140 | www.lanfordbros.com
Jared L. Schweitzer jschweitzer@millerlong.com
Helping you conserve those things important to you... Including your wealth.
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Whether your event is uptown or down home, Blue Ridge Catering can make it something special. While every event provides unique challenges, it’s not often that something gets thrown at us that we haven’t seen before. • Weddings • Corporate events • Alumni and club gatherings • Special events • Parties, celebrations, and receptions • Holiday events At Blue Ridge Catering we enjoy bringing food to life for your event with extraordinary creativity, ingenuity, and flair—whether it’s a small box lunch gathering of a club or a large-scale extravaganza that fills a civic center. 522 Salem Avenue, Roanoke, VA, 24016 540-982-7700 | www.blueridgecatering.net
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community | news | perspective
Congratulations Lucy!
The Roanoke Star salutes the hardworking staff, and board members of the
Blue Ridge Land Conservancy
Compliments of Joanne and Glenn Thornhill
who persevere every day to protect our vital natural resources in Southwest Virginia. PO Box 8338, Roanoke, VA 24014 540-400-0990
Compliments of Charlotte and Bittle Porterfield
Congratulations to the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy
on another great year of land preservation! Assisting landowners with the legal aspects of conservation easements
Stephen W. Lemon Martin, Hopkins and Lemon, P.C. 1000 Wells Fargo Tower, Roanoke, VA (540) 982-1000 martinhopkinsandlemon.com
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The Blue Ridge Land Conservancy is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, a mark of distinction in land conservation. The Blue Ridge Land Conservancy is also a proud member of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Virginia Conservation Network.
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Wytheville, VA Permit No. 172
722 First Street, SW, Suite L Roanoke, Virginia 24016-4120 Phone/Fax 540-985-0000 www.blueridgelandconservancy.org
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Steady Your Cameras for the 3rd Annual It’s time to dust off your cameras and choose your best photos for the 3rd annual Land+Link Photography Competition and Exhibition. A collaboration between the O. Winston Link Museum and the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy, Land+Link celebrates the beauty of southwest Virginia by capturing it on film. The competition is open to amateur photographers of all ages with cash prizes and the opportunity to have your photos on display at the Link Museum. This year’s theme is “Old, New, Borrowed, Blue,” a play on the old English wedding rhyme as well as a nod to our organization’s recent name change and the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War. Photographers should submit image(s) that reflect their interpretation of this year’s theme by 5pm on September 27th. The Background photo by 2012 Land+Link finalist Ricardo Valdivieso
application and competition rules can be found online at blueridgelandconservancy.org/ photo. Finalists will be named in the open, college, young photographer (17 & under), heavy manipulation, and mobile phone categories. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three winners in the open division. A cash prize will also be awarded to the “People’s Choice” photo as chosen in an online vote. These winners will be announced at the opening of the competition’s exhibition which features all of the finalist photos on Friday, November 15 at 7 pm. This year’s contest is proudly sponsored by: