New land trust, Northern Neck Land Conservancy, a partner organization to NNAS, is growing. In a well-attended event held on September 12 at historic Sabine Hall in Richmond County, NNLC celebrated it members with great food in a beautiful location. Biologist Sandy Spencer from the Rappahannock Valley National Wildlife Refuge led a marsh walk. Harry Wells drove the tractor for a hay ride. Response to the event astounded its planners, easily doubling expectations. It included persons form all of the five counties of the Northern Neck, and representatives of many conservation organizations.

With more than 250 family memberships the NNLC is expanding its ability to facilitate and educate. The group has been active in the education of landowners, as well as professionals who advise landowners about how they may protect family lands from development. Seminars in May and a community gathering in July yielded important contacts and a list of persons interested in placing conservation easements on their properties.

Notice from the Internal Revenue Service of approval of application for non profit status as a 501(c)(3) was promptly awarded, so donations received from the incorporation date of January 22, 2004 forward are fully tax deductible.

Cooperative relationships with The Nature Conservancy, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Middle Peninsula Land Trust, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and NNAS are being nurtured, with expected benefit to all.

A new web site with an interactive page, which enhances NNLC’s ability to respond to inquiries, is now online. Look for it at www.nnconserve.org.