The mission of OCH Conservation Foundation is to enhance diverse wildlife habitats, strengthen critical connections with nature, and preserve Northern Virginia’s unparalleled rural landscape. As development pressure increases across our region, protecting this land has never been more urgent.
Join the Clifton Institute and OCHCF President Rae Stone for an afternoon at her property in The Plains. This casual gathering is for local landowners interested in managing their properties to benefit native plants and wildlife.
We’ll begin the meetup with introductions before taking a walk around the property to see some of Rae’s conservation projects firsthand. Rae has done a little bit of everything on her property, including extensive Japanese Stiltgrass management, native plantings, and the creation of a beautiful naturalistic garden inspired by the native meadows of the Piedmont, which was designed and installed by Claudia West of Phyto Studio. After the walk, we’ll have a social hour with refreshments.
Meet like-minded landowners, get answers to your trickiest technical questions, and find inspiration for incorporating conservation land management on your own property!
This publication serves as a valuable tool for landowners, offering expert contacts, program listings, and guidance on managing the unique challenges of rural property stewardship. Each participating organization contributed its own insights and expertise, resulting in a resource designed to benefit both long-time residents and newcomers alike.
On August 1, riders from across the region gathered at Jim and Shannon Davis’ beautiful Little River Farm for an unforgettable day of learning, conservation, and community in support of the OCH Conservation Foundation. Organized by the Orange County Hounds, Eleanor Morison, and Helen Bretell as a benefit event for the Foundation, the foxhunting clinic brought together an extraordinary lineup of Olympians and lifelong foxhunters: Bruce Davidson, Lynn Symansky, Lauren Nicholson, and Juliet Graham.
Their combined experience offered participants a rare opportunity to learn from riders who have excelled both in international competition and in the traditions of the hunt field. While each has competed at the highest levels of equestrian sport, what made the clinic especially meaningful was their shared passion for foxhunting and their generosity in passing that knowledge on to others.
The Plains, Virginia — The OCH Conservation Foundation (OCHCF) is proud to announce the inaugural recipient of the Malcolm Matheson III Memorial Scholarship Fund, a new initiative supporting young conservation leaders through hands-on environmental education, wildlife stewardship, and professional conservation training. Created in honor of longtime OCH Master of Foxhounds Malcolm Matheson III, the scholarship reflects his lifelong commitment to conservation, responsible land stewardship, and preserving Virginia’s rural landscapes and wildlife habitats.
“Increasing development pressure, environmental challenges, and growing workforce needs in conservation make investing in the next generation more important than ever,” said Rae Stone, President of the OCH Conservation Foundation. “This scholarship helps provide meaningful, hands-on experience while preparing future wildlife professionals and environmental stewards.”
Development is accelerating across our region. Once open land is lost, it’s gone for good.
Your support helps conserve open space, protect wildlife habitat, and preserve the natural character of Virginia’s countryside.
From working farms to critical ecosystems, every acre protected today ensures this landscape endures for generations to come.
© OCH Conservation Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization • EIN: 83-3910834
The OCH Conservation Foundation is proud to work alongside leading national organizations, local landowners, and conservation leaders across the Piedmont region.
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