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Celebrating a Landmark Conservation Victory
at
Bull Run Mountain Farm
July 11, 2025
We were thrilled to see so many of you on July 11th for a truly special day on Bull Run Mountain. The morning trail ride through Bull Run Mountain Farm was a full house, with riders enjoying the sweeping views, rolling hills, and a guided journey into the farm’s rich history. Our deepest thanks go to Claude Schoch for not only hosting us but also for his extraordinary work in reopening the old road and creating a remarkable trail loop that led us past several historic landmarks—including the beautifully preserved 1822 mill.
Later that evening, we raised a glass together to celebrate an exciting milestone: on July 10th, the conservation easement was officially recorded with the Land Trust of Virginia. This marks the successful conclusion of our long effort to protect Bull Run Mountain Farm from the threat of cluster subdivision. Thanks to your incredible generosity and steadfast support, this vital part of our landscape is now preserved—forever.
As you drive down Bull Run Mountain Road, we hope you feel the same pride and sense of relief we do, knowing this place will remain untouched for generations to come.
Thank you for standing with us. Your involvement has made all the difference. As we look ahead to placing the farm in the hands of a new steward in 2026, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you know of someone who would be a thoughtful future caretaker of this extraordinary property.
—The OCHCF Team
Claude Schoch – OCHCF Landowner
OCH Conservation Foundation Announces Philanthropic Gift to Virginia Working Landscapes
September 9, 2023
We are excited to announce a new philanthropic agreement with Virginia Working Landscapes, (VWL) and hope that you will join us in supporting this initiative. The OCH Conservation Foundation (OCHCF) board has approved a grant to VWL to sponsor a Biodiversity Technician for the next three years. This new biologist will expand VWL’s capacity across the region, with a particular focus in Northern Fauquier County. The staff member will join VWL by January 2024 and will enable VWL to expand its work with OCHCF constituents; conducting biodiversity surveys on additional properties, expanding educational outreach and bringing new insight to the conservation of wildlife habitats in our region.
Collaboration with VWL leverages our strengths and helps both organizations further their collective mission. While keeping OCHCF’s all-volunteer structure in place, the VWL grant allows us to have a greater impact on the preservation of our cherished rural landscapes.
We’ve committed approximately $62,000.00 per year, which we plan to offset with additional support from the OCHCF board and new donations from landowners who share our commitment to preserving wildlife habitats and encouraging responsible stewardship of our countryside. We thank you for any level of support you might provide to this effort and hope you will consider a 3-year pledge.
We look forward to discussing this initiative with you and are excited for the immense benefit it will bring to our community. For more information contact info@ochcf.org.
Virginia Working Landscapes www.VAWorkingLandscapes.org is a program of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, which promotes the conservation of native biodiversity and sustainable land management through research, education, and community engagement. Launched in 2010 and headquartered in Front Royal, Virginia, VWL’s work is supported entirely by grants and donations. Currently, VWL conducts research and education programs in sixteen counties with a full-time staff of just four individuals.
