Willowsford Conservancy

“The organization engages a paid preparer experienced in the preparation of the form 990 to prepare the form. The organization's treasurer reviews the return as prepared by the preparer. A copy of the return is then provided to all members of the board of trustees prior to filing.”

“The organization's governing documents and financial statements are available to the general public upon request.”

“Financial statements are available to the general public upon request.”

“The mission of the willowsford conservancy is to protect our land and promote conservation and sustainable farming so that our community discovers a deeper connection to nature and each other. Guiding principles stewardship (respect for the land) considering our community's impacts on the land: on soil, water, vegetation, wildlife and on whole natural systems; celebrating local materials and human resources and utilizing appropriate technologies realizing a positive, regenerative effect on the land through all aspects of our operations, including land use and agricultural production, shelter and structures, materials use, energy, and human resources. Community (who we are) creating an authentic sense of place and shared purpose by connecting people to the land and to each other through cultural, artistic, musical, recreational, culinary and social programs, activites, and services that enhance the lifestyle within, and contribute to the betterment of, willowsford and the surrounding community. Health and recreation (go play outside) inspiring and promoting a healthy lifestyle through engaging outdoor recreational opportunities and activities to enrich mind, body, and spirit while enhancing lifelong learning. Conservation (love of nature) creating programs that help foster a passion and commitment to the conservation of wildlife and natural habitats ensuring that they can be appreciated by future generations. Quality and integrity (being great) striving to do our best and be our best in all that we do, and to produce high quality, safe products, events, and interactions; creating an outstanding work and play environment that cultivates safe, friendly, and ethical practices based on respect and dignity. Education (exploration, discovery and understanding) teaching, modeling and sharing ideas about ecological literacy, food literacy, historical literacy, social literacy and other tools for critical thinking, to cultivate engaged citizens and community members. Farming (good food) supporting our community with food that is fresh, clean and healthy and that tastes great. Integrating the farm into the fabric of willowsford to serve as a social and educational resource for the community. Sustainability (the long haul) placing high value on ecological and social health and recognizing that economic viability is a critical precursor to success.”

“Willowsford conservancy is the steward of over 2,200 acres of open space, set aside for conservation, recreation, education and agricultural use. Fresh food production from sustainable farming; recreation opportunities with nature trails, campsites, forests and wetlands that support diverse native wildlife and vegetation; and the conservancy's land stewardship programs-including habitat restoration, wildlife management, and invasive species control-contribute positively to the region's quality of life. In 2022, 166 volunteers supported the land stewardship team's efforts to remove invasive species, clear trails, and monitor streams, blue birds and other wildlife (747 hours). An additional 53 volunteers supported the farm team's efforts through egg washing, csa share packing, and csa pick up amongst other activities (1030 hours) farming in support of its mission for long-term protection and viable use of the land, the conservancy follows organic farming practices that enhance the ecological resources of the land and are integrated with the residential life of the community, education, and conservation activities. Sustainable agriculture provides fresh, nourishing food for willowsford residents and the local community, and supports the conservancy's conservation efforts. The farm also plays an active role in the greater community, supporting local agriculture and artisanal food production, food literacy, healthy nutrition, and a vibrant community life. In 2022 the conservancy farm sold over 600 unique shares in its community supported agriculture (csa) program, including vegetables, eggs, and flowers, in addition to supporting families through a new online farm stand platform. About one third of the csa members continue to be non-residends from outside willowsford. While many customers pick up at our two locations, we also use a refrigerated delivery van to bring our csa shares and items purchased from our online store directly to peoples' doorsteps. The farm donated excess produce to loudoun humger relief-a local non-profit often during the peak growing season. Farm volunteer opportunities and program activities encourage families to engage hands-on and learn about sustainable agriculture and food production. The farm hosts volunteer activities as noted above, but also holds programs such as those focused on nutrition and culinary arts, participates as a host of a popular summer camp, and leads wagon farm tours. Land conservation and related eduation partnering with other non-profits and government agencies, the conservancy continues to offer hands-on, site-specific education programs and events for adults and children related to environmental stewardship, land conservation, and responsible outdoor recreation. Through these activities, the conservancy aims to facilitate informed decision-making and inspire people to become lifelong advocates for environmental sustainability, conservation and healthy lifestyles. Willowsford conservancy offers outdoor environmental education programs for all ages to cultivate citizen stewardship, environmental literacy and a deep emotional connection to the natural world. Providing residents with resources to create and manage environmentally friendly home landscapes contributes positively to overall habitat health and connectivity not only at willowsford, but in the region. Through partnerships with organizations including banshee reeks nature preserve, the virginia department of game and inland fisheries, the department of forestry, the smithsonian conservation biology institute, loudoun wildlife conservancy (lwc), blue ridge wildlife center, piedmont environmental council and others, the conservancy receives insights and builds expertise on how it can best promote native habitat and wildlife in the community. An important area of land stewardship is reforestation and habitat improvement to assure healthy forest continue to flourish at willowsford. In october, we worked with loudoun wildlife co”

“Outdoor recreation outdoor recreation programs and events enrich willowsford's sense of community and healthy lifestyle. The conservancy continues to make significant investments in the construction and management of the trail system, which includes 40 miles of naturalized trails for recreational and educational use. The improvements included signage, maps and smart phone app for orientation and information, guided trail walks, and amenities that facilitate the use of the trails. Conservancy amenities, including the hidden meadow event field & group campsite, cedar pond pavilion, a recreational archery range, and the grant campsite, provide opportunities and venues for outdoor recreation, community engagement and education, encouraging families to camp, hike, bike, observe wildlife, and explore the outdoors. The conservancy partners with local chapters of the boy scouts of america to promote outdoor ethics and conservation. One of the main tenets in scouting is to give back to the community in the form of service. The conservancy teams up with the scouts to provide opportunities to perform trail maintenance, wildlife habitat restoration and conservation projects. Operations staff completed a new web site to educate local citizens, communicate with our residents, and share information about our work. The site includes a calendar of events, information on land conservation and creating a backyard habitat, sustainable farming, as well as our local ecosystem and wildlife. The conservancy board of trustees spent most of 2022 working on a strategic plan following months of engagement with staff and residents through focus groups and community survey (in which more than 1,100 residents participated). The board unanimously approved the new strategic plan.”

“2020 was the first year that an independent audit was completed. A finance committee was set up. The finance committee is charged with supervising and reviewing the audit.”