Fall 2013 Saving Land in Western Virginia

Saving LandIN WESTERN VIRGINIA FALL 2013

Al Hammond Selected for Land Saver Award

You’re Invited to the 2013 Conservation Celebration

Local Roots Restaurant fundraiser to benefit BRLC

BRLC Founder &Greenways Advocate Lucy Ellett Selected for Vic Thomas Award

blueridgelandconservancy.org

2 Fall 2013

I’m preaching to the choir!

It’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) 985-0000, e-mail David Perry at [email protected], find them on Facebook or visit their website at blueridgelandconservancy.org.

I hope these little tidbits help you put into words what the land conservancy does. And once again, thank you. We simply could not do this work without you.

Blue Ridge Land Conservancy

Promoting the conservation of western Virginia’s natural resources

– farms, forests, waterways, and rural landscapes.

722 First St., SW, Suite LRoanoke, VA 24016-4120

Phone/Fax (540) 985-0000www.blueridgelandconservancy.org

Board of TrusteesSandy Light, President

Stephen M. Claytor, Vice PresidentF. Fulton Galer, Treasurer

Whitney H. Feldmann, Secretary

M. Rupert CutlerLucy R. Ellett

Peter M. FellersBroaddus C. Fitzpatrick

Quinn F. GraeffWilliam M. Hackworth

Robert H. HuntAnne M. Jennings

Betty H. LeskoSamuel B. Long

J.W. “Bill” MasonDavid N. MaxsonLinda W. Pharis

Janet Scheid

Advisory CouncilLiza T. Field

Talfourd H. KemperRobert B. Lambeth, Jr.

Barbara B. LemonStephen W. LemonJeanne M. Martin

John B. Williamson, III

StaffDavid C. Perry

Executive DirectorDiana M. Hackenburg

Project ManagerSaving Land Editor

Cover Photo: Lucy Ellett

stands on her family’s

property in Roanoke.

Photo by Diana

Hackenburg.

From the Director’s Desk

Fall 2013 3

A 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 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!

President’s Point of View

Table of Contents Fall 2013

Sandy Light

City of Roanoke skyline as seen from Braeloch, site of the 2013 Conservation Celebration. Photo by Johnathan Roberts.

Features

4 Invitation to the Conservation Celebration 6 Environmentalist Lucy Ellett Works in the Trenches 7 Land Saver Al Hammond 20 3rd Land+Link Photo Competition

Departments

2 From the Director’s Desk 3 President’s Point of View 5 News & Events 8-9 Program Updates 10 Conservation News 11-12 People & Places

4 Fall 2013

Join 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.

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.

You’re Invited to the 8th Annual Conservation Celebration

2012 Conservation Celebration photos by Johnathan Roberts.

Janet and Ned Yost accept the 2012 Land Saver Award

A silent auction offers entertainment throughout the evening

Fall 2013 5

You’re Invited to the 8th Annual Conservation Celebration

By Laura Lemon

Leave 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!

News & Events

Help Save Land by Eating Local

By Emily Blanton

On 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 addition to the 3K 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.

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.

Race for Open Space Draws Crowd

Fall 2013 5

3K participant Tucker Osburn, 4, poses for a post-race photo with his family.

3K participant Toby Tate, 9, learns about macroinvertebrates from Erica Moore of the Mountain Castles Soil and Water Conservation District.

Photo courtesy of ryanstonephoto.com

6 Fall 2013

Environmentalist Lucy Ellett Works in the Trenches Receives 2013 A. Victor Thomas Environmental Stewardship Award

If 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 Conservation Celebration on 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

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.

By George Kegley

Granddaughter Catherine, Lucy, and granddaughter Lucy Paige

6 Fall 2013

Fall 2013 7

Land Saver Al Hammond Awarded for Conservation Work

Drive 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-square-foot, 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

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.

By George Kegley

Charlie Byrd, Al Hammond, and Dave Perry meet to discuss placement of the new music center.

Fall 2013 7

Past Recipients of the A. Victor Thomas Environmental Stewardship Award

2012 Barbara Lemon of Roanoke2011 George & Louise Kegley of Roanoke2010 Dr. M. Rupert Cutler of Roanoke2009 Virginia Governor Tim Kaine2008 City of Roanoke, Virginia2007 Lanier and Thecla Frantz of New Castle2006 Madison and Charlotte Marye of Elliston

Past Recipients of the Land Saver Award

2012 Ned and Janet Yost of Charlottesville2010 Jim and Esta Wilson of Martinsville

8 Fall 2013

Program Updates

Plants, and Soils, and Bugs, Oh My!“My mom plants that in our garden!”“Can I taste the Lamb’s Ear?”

The 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 and get dirty.

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.

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 [email protected].

Garden club students plant flowers in front of Grandin Court Elementary.

8 Fall 2013 The 2013 Grandin Court Garden Club poses for a photo on their last day.

Fall 2013 9

Conference attendees dine on Mill Mountain

Program Updates

VaULT Comes to Roanoke

On 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 five-year 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 o f a p p r o x i m a t e l y 5 0 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!

Fall 2013 9

10 Fall 2013

For 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

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. 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.

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

Agritourism in a Creative EconomyThe Marriage of Agriculture and Tourism

City of Roanoke students visit the conserved Bright Farm in Floyd Co.

1. Barn dance 11. Hunting2. Birthday parties 12. Music concerts3. Cooking classes 13. Painting4. Corn mazes 14. Photography5. Corporate events 15. Pick-your own6. Farm stores 16. School tours7. Farm vacations 17. Snow sledding8. Haunted barns 18. Stargazing9. Hay wagon rides 19. Weddings10. Horseback riding 20. Wineries

20 Agritourism Ideas for Virginia Farms

10 Fall 2013

Fall 2013 11

Conservation News

Artist & Conservationist Nan Mahone Wellborn Paints for Award Winners

Nan 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

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.

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 [email protected].

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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12 Fall 2013

The Blue Ridge Land Conservancy Board of Trustees has appointed four new members to serve for the 2013-

2014 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

the BRLC board include attorney Quinn Graeff of Roanoke and community volunteer Betty Lesko of Moneta.

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.

This 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

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.”

Fresh Faces and Old Friends Join Board

Locals Gain Conservation Experience through Summer Internships

Left to right: Quinn Graeff, Bill Hackworth, Anne Jennings, Betty Lesko

Emily Blanton (left) and Laura Lemon (right)

People & Places

Fall 2013 13

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(276) 228-6608 • [email protected]

www.wordsprint.com

We use vegetable-based inks and alcohol substitutes in our presses; we buy from environmentally responsible vendors such as Mohawk papers, which uses 100% windpower to produce carbon neutral paper stocks.

We have our air quality and emissions tested by OSHA on a regular basis, and

We have systems in place to prevent waste

time is a huge step toward our environment.

We’d love to print your next job on 100% PCW recycled paper — but more importantly, we’d like to show you how the entire design, print, and mail process works when we Think Green. Call or email us for an appointment.

Capture this code with your Smartphone camera and

immediately browse our website!

Think Green.

(276) 228-6608 • [email protected]

www.wordsprint.com

We use vegetable-based inks and alcohol substitutes in our presses; we buy from environmentally responsible vendors such as Mohawk papers, which uses 100% windpower to produce carbon neutral paper stocks.

We have our air quality and emissions tested by OSHA on a regular basis, and

We have systems in place to prevent waste

time is a huge step toward our environment.

We’d love to print your next job on 100% PCW recycled paper — but more importantly, we’d like to show you how the entire design, print, and mail process works when we Think Green. Call or email us for an appointment.

(276) 228-6608 • [email protected]

www.wordsprint.com

This year marks the 5th anniversary of Cox Conserves. Our national sustainability program includes

all of Cox’s companies and finds ways to lessen our impact on the environment through operations

and community partnerships.

Cox would like to congratulate WVLT board member Janet Scheid for being named a finalist in

the 2012 Virginia Cox Conserves Heroes program. Thank you, Janet, for your leadership in

land conservation and environmental protection for the past 24 years in the Roanoke Valley!

Find out more at www.coxconservesheroes.com.

impact

www.cox.com

14 Fall 2013

VirLandTrustAdclr.indd 1 8/16/10 10:22 AM

Committed to the Environment.Our products contribute directly to the environmental movement, as they are produced from 100 percent recycled materials.

Steel Dynamics Roanoke Bar Division P.O. Box 13948 Roanoke, VA 24038-3948

DAVID A. [email protected]

540 598 9645

LOCAL GRASS-FED BEEF

TRUMANHILLFARM.COM

Fall 2013 15cccbox.com - 866.583.9363

Point of PurchaseBrown BoxPackaging

Roanoke, VA | Piney Flats, TN | Holly Springs, NC | Winchester, VA

We Never ForgetIt’s More Than a Box.Corrugated board is made from renewable resources andis designed for reuse, with the highest recycling rate in the

packaging industry. With 50 years of expertise, we engineer, design and manufacture Boxes, POP Displays and Packaging

that meets today’s needs without sacrificing tomorrow. Call or click today for more information.

501963-2013celebrating 50 years…

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CM

MY

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CCC 0713 WVLT ad.pdf 1 7/1/13 1:47 PM

Aggregate • Asphalt • Block • Concrete

For more information, call (800) 442-8878 or visit boxley.com

Quality products for every project.

319 McClanahan St. SW Roanoke, VA 24014 (540) 345-0936 www.becpas.com

Grow Forward

Hampton Roads | Richmond | Roanoke | Tyson’s Corner

Find out how we can be your guide forward

Fulton Galer, Partner 540.342.6911 | [email protected]

Proud Sponsors of the 2013 Conservation Celebration

Engineers • Geologists • Scientists • PlannersEngineers • Geologists • Scientists • Planners

Rocky Mount, VA540-483-5975

www.earthenv.com

Rocky Mount, VA540-483-5975

www.earthenv.com

16 Fall 2013

YOUR DRIVEWAY HAS SEEN MORE ACTION THAN YOU CAN POSSIBLY IMAGINE.(But don’t worry, that’s ancient history.)

Phone (540) 992-2140 | www.lanfordbros.comPhone (540) 992-2140 | www.lanfordbros.com

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.

YOUR DRIVEWAY HAS SEEN MORE ACTION THAN YOU CAN POSSIBLY IMAGINE.(But don’t worry, that’s ancient history.)

Phone (540) 992-2140 | www.lanfordbros.comPhone (540) 992-2140 | www.lanfordbros.com

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.

Samuel B. Long, MAI, CRE, [email protected]

Jared L. [email protected]

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

Specializing in conservation easement, land, farm and estate appraisals

Put our experience, training and knowledge to work for you.

Samuel B. Long, MAI, CRE, [email protected]

Jared L. [email protected]

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

Specializing in conservation easement, land, farm and estate appraisals

Put our experience, training and knowledge to work for you.

Orvis rOANOKE19 Campbell Ave.

roanoke, vA 24011www.orvis.com/roanoke

Orvis sErviCE CENtEr1711 Blue Hills Dr. NE

roanoke, vA 24012

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.

Conservation is at the heart of everything we do.

Licensed in 19 States from New York to Florida.

Conservation Minded Real Estate Company

Jim Woltz

800-551-3588www.woltz.com

Real Estate Services

Farms • Land • Estate Properties • Conservation

Easements Properties

Licensed in 19 States from New York to Florida.

Conservation Minded Real Estate Company

Jim Woltz

800-551-3588www.woltz.com

Real Estate Services

Farms • Land • Estate Properties • Conservation

Easements Properties

Fall 2013 17

Helping you conserve those things important to you...Including your wealth.

AreyouwithValley yet?Member FDIC MyValleyBank.com

EQUAL HOUSINGLENDER

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•Corporateevents•Alumniandclubgatherings•Specialevents•Parties,celebrations,andreceptions•Holidayevents

AtBlueRidgeCateringweenjoybringing food to life for your event with extraordinary creativity, ingenuity,andflair—whetherit’sasmallboxlunchgathering ofacluboralarge-scaleextravaganzathatfillsaciviccenter.

522 Salem Avenue, Roanoke, VA, 24016540-982-7700 | www.blueridgecatering.net

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•Corporateevents•Alumniandclubgatherings•Specialevents•Parties,celebrations,andreceptions•Holidayevents

AtBlueRidgeCateringweenjoybringing food to life for your event with extraordinary creativity, ingenuity,andflair—whetherit’sasmallboxlunchgathering ofacluboralarge-scaleextravaganzathatfillsaciviccenter.

522 Salem Avenue, Roanoke, VA, 24016540-982-7700 | www.blueridgecatering.net

18 Fall 2013

Fall 2013 19

The Roanoke Starsalutes the

hardworking staff, and board members of the

Blue Ridge Land Conservancywho persevere every day

to protect our vital natural resources in Southwest Virginia.

PO Box 8338, Roanoke, VA 24014540-400-0990

community | news | perspective

Congratulations Lucy!

Compliments of Joanne and Glenn

Thornhill

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. LemonMartin, Hopkins and Lemon, P.C.

1000 Wells Fargo Tower, Roanoke, VA (540) 982-1000

martinhopkinsandlemon.com

NoNprofit org.U.S. poStage

PaidWytheville, Va

permit No. 172

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

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.

722 First Street, SW, Suite LRoanoke, Virginia 24016-4120Phone/Fax 540-985-0000

www.blueridgelandconservancy.org

Background photo by 2012 Land+Linkfinalist Ricardo Valdivieso

This year’s contest is proudly sponsored by:

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.

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