Wintergreen Mountain Land Forever Protected by Land Trust of Virginia
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- 6 days ago
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Nelson County, VA – September 23, 2025 – Land Trust of Virginia (LTV) is celebrating the permanent protection of 354 acres of forested mountain land on the slopes of Black Rock Mountain in Nelson County. Donated by Wintergreen Partners, Inc., this easement marks LTV’s 276th property protected since its founding in 1992.
The newly protected land, which can be seen from the Rockfish Valley Highway (Route 151), is a beloved part of the Blue Ridge landscape. By placing it under a conservation easement, the property’s forests, streams, trails, and sweeping mountain views will remain intact.
“This land is a treasure for Nelson County,” said Ashton Cole, Executive Director of Land Trust of Virginia. “It provides clean water, wildlife habitat, and beautiful scenery that residents and visitors alike can enjoy. Thanks to the landowner’s generosity, these special qualities of the land will be protected for future generations.”
The Wintergreen property is entirely forested and sits within an area recognized by the state as a High Conservation Value Area. It is home to rare ecological communities (barrens), serves as an important wildlife corridor connecting habitats along the Blue Ridge, and contains an intermittent stream that flows into the Rockfish River, helping protect water quality all the way to the James River and the Chesapeake Bay.
In addition to its ecological importance, the property plays a role in the community’s character and economy. Route 151, a Virginia Byway since 1976, draws visitors to its wineries, breweries, hiking, and scenic drives. Protecting the Wintergreen mountainside ensures that the views people come to enjoy will remain just as beautiful in the future as they are today.
The Wintergreen Property Owners Association and the Nelson County Board of Supervisors both voted in support of the easement in late 2024, recognizing its alignment with the county’s long-term vision (Comprehensive Plan) for conservation and open space.
With this donation, Land Trust of Virginia has now permanently protected over 36,000 acres of farms, forests, and historic lands across the Commonwealth.
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