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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.