To read more about the Hepburn Easement and other great stories, download the rest of our 2025 Winter Conservation News below.

By Danielle Lilly Land Trust of Virginia (LTV) is turning the page to a new chapter full of growth, fresh energy, and a deep commitment to protecting Virginia’s beautiful landscapes for generations to come. At the forefront of this new phase is Executive Director Ashton Cole, whose journey with LTV began in 2007. Over nearly two decades, Ashton has helped guide the organization through steady growth and new opportunity, drawing on the mentorship and example of the leaders who

Middleburg, Va. —November 18, 2025—  Land Trust of Virginia (LTV) has permanently protected more than 100 acres of scenic forestland on Short Hill Mountain in Loudoun County through a conservation easement donated by landowners Jacqueline and Phil Hepburn. The property—an expanse of hardwood forest on the eastern slopes of Short Hill Mountain—is LTV’s 277th conservation easement. From the property’s lower elevations, it ascends to the top of the mountain, where it shares near

Land Trust of Virginia (LTV) is honored to have been awarded funding from the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation  (VLCF) to permanently protect an exceptional property along the James River in Nelson County. This support will help conserve over 81 acres of productive farmland and a historic riverfront landscape, ensuring it remains undeveloped and cherished for future generations. LTV will work with the Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation district, which has agree