Willowsford Conservancy

“Willowsford, llc (founder), is authorized to appoint, remove, and replace all of the trustees for so long as it, any of its affiliates, or any consenting owners own real property in willowsford, or the founder has an unexpired option to expand willowsford pursuant to community covenant, or until such earlier time as it relinquishes such right. In addition, the founder retains the following rights: -for so long as the founder, or any founder affiliate, owns real property in willowsford, or the founder has an unexpired option to expand willowsford pursuant to a community covenant, the founder's consent is required to dissolve the conservancy, or for any merger or consolidation of the conservancy. -no amendment to the conservancy's bylaws may remove, revoke, or modify any right or privilege of the founder without the written consent of the founder (or the assignee of such right or privilege).”

“Willowsford, llc (founder), is authorized to appoint, remove, and replace all of the trustees for so long as it, any of its affiliates, or any consenting owners own real property in willowsford, or the founder has an unexpired option to expand willowsford pursuant to community covenant, or until such earlier time as it relinquishes such right. In addition, the founder retains the following rights: -for so long as the founder, or any founder affiliate, owns real property in willowsford, or the founder has an unexpired option to expand willowsford pursuant to a community covenant, the founder's consent is required to dissolve the conservancy, or for any merger or consolidation of the conservancy. -no amendment to the conservancy's bylaws may remove, revoke, or modify any right or privilege of the founder without the written consent of the founder (or the assignee of such right or privilege).”

“The organization does not have any committees with authority to act on behalf of the board of trustees, and as such no committee minutes are required.”

“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 willowsford conservancy protects, maintains, and promotes the viable, long-term use of the land, integrating farming, recreation, conservation and education to enhance the quality of life for the residents of willowsford and the greater community. 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 2019, 50 conservancy volunteers supported the conservancy's programs farming in support of its mission for long-term protection and viable use of the land, the conservancy follows sustainable 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 2019, the conservancy farm sold more than 400 unique shares in its community supported agriculture (csa) program, including vegetables, eggs, milk, flowers, and meat shares, in addition to supporting families through direct sales at the farm stand. About half of the csa members continue to be non-residents from outside willowsford. In addition, the conservancy donated fresh farm food to loudoun hunger relief. Interested groups of professionals were hosted during events and tours to discuss land use, development and agriculture. Farm volunteer opportunities encourage families to engage hands-on and learn about sustainable agriculture and food production. 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, nutrition and culinary arts, 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. With lwc, the bluebird nest box monitoring program continued in 2019 with two nesting box trails in the grange and grove villages, for people to learn about local cavity nesters, and to support native songbirds with habitat and nesting sites. Residents volunteered their time monitoring and maintaining the nesting boxes and trail loops. The wet meadow habitat restoration project in the grange continued with improvements to and maintenance of the native wildflower meadow. In 2019, the conservancy offered 48 family programs serving more than 1,200 individuals including: march - two csa info seesions & farm tour on march 9 and march 17 - hosting of the sold-out loudoun wildlife conservancy fundraiser on march 22, sponsored b”

“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 its trail system for recreational and educational use, including signage, maps for orientation and information, guided trail walks, and amenities that facilitate the use of the trails. Conservancy amenities including the hidden meadow event field and group campsite, cedar pond pavilion and recreational archery range and the grant campsite provide opportunities and venues for outdoor recreation, community engagement and education encouraging families to camp, hike, observe wildlife, and explore the outdoors. In 2019, the conservancy completed upgrades to its sign system to improve wayfiding for trail users. Trail connectors were added throughout the trail system, and trail upgrades and repairs completed where needed. 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. Students from local schools are provided with opportunities to use conservancy trails for cross country trail running. Organizational development and capacity building in 2019, the conservancy added a full-time ranger field position to support open space maintenance; and a full-time business operations manager to support the transition of the conservancy toward a self-sustained non-profit operating without administrative support from the development team.”