Major Accomplishments
The Valley Conservation Council has been a leader in land protection across the Shenandoah Valley for more than three decades. While VCC, along with our amazing conservation partners, has worked to protect thousands of acres throughout the Shenandoah region, there are a few projects that stand out. These special projects are true treasures within our Valley-community and have been protected for future enjoyment by all.
Tanner’s Ridge Land Transfer
In 2021-2022, VCC was key in the transfer of Tanner’s Ridge to Shenandoah National Park. Any additions to a National Park are notable, but at nearly 1,000 acres, this parcel is the largest transfer of private land to Shenandoah in the park’s history. What was a collection of conservation easements has now become public access land, managed by the Master Land Stewards and the National Park Service, for everyone to enjoy. Next time you find yourself in Shenandoah National Park, check out Tanner’s Ridge!
Along with the picture to the right, the view from Tanner’s Ridge is the header image for this page.
Natural Bridge State Park
VCC played a pivotal role in the establishment of Natural Bridge State Park. In late 2013 VCC staff was informed that the iconic natural wonder which was originally owned by Thomas Jefferson, and its surrounding 1,500 acres, were to be auctioned off in 30-acre parcels. VCC immediately responded to deter the sale and to find a permanent conservation solution. Its first action was to gather representatives from local government, state and federal natural resource agencies, and other conservation groups, along with state and federal legislators at Natural Bridge to address this urgent threat. With unanimous agreement that the historic Bridge and its scenic setting must remain intact with insured public access, a collaborative campaign was launched. After months of searching for solutions and funding sources and extremely complicated negotiations, the result was the establishment of the Commonwealth’s 37th state park
Middlebrook Brownsburg Corridor
The Middlebrook Brownsburg Corridor is a priceless example of the rural landscape of the Valley of Virginia. Winding its way through historic and pastoral southern Augusta and northern Rockbridge counties, Route 252 has served as an important corridor between Staunton and Lexington for more than 200 years. VCC holds several conservation easements within this corridor, and considers it an important and high value area for land protection.
Better Models for Development
VCC’s “Better Models for Development” program is aimed at helping communities to grow in ways that are compatible with the Valley’s irreplaceable natural and cultural heritage. This means supporting the conservation of rural areas and revitalizing the region’s towns and cities. We accomplish this through educational materials, presentations, workshops and conferences, and an awards program.
Our approach is to show positive examples of sensible growth. The 2010 book Better Models for Development in the Shenandoah Valley: Meeting 21st Century Challenges uses nearly 300 photographs to illustrate the combination of efforts that together can help communities grow and stay vibrant while respecting and protecting their environment and history.
The book is distributed to elected officials and planning commission members of each of the region’s nearly 50 counties, cities, and towns. We also deliver presentations as requested on any of the topics in the book to provide more examples and details.
Since 2000, VCC has recognized over 70 projects, from every county in our service area, through our “Better Models for Development” awards program.