The Nature Conservancy in Virginia

Press Releases		Contact Info
July 21, 2008: Study Examines Air Pollution’s Effects on Ecosystems; Finds Widespread, Serious Impacts No ecosystem type in the eastern United States is free of the effects of air pollution, according to a report released today.		Anand Mishra Phone: (301) 897-8570 Email: amishra@tnc.org
May 21, 2008: Nature Conservancy Appoints Director of Allegheny Highlands Program The Nature Conservancy has appointed Marek Smith as director of the Virginia chapter’s Allegheny Highlands Program. Smith will manage the 9,000-acre Warm Springs Mountain Preserve and other conservation projects in Bath, Highland, and Alleghany counties.		David Dadurka Phone: (240) 731-1606 Email: ddadurka@tnc.org
April 09, 2008: Dragon Run – A New State Forest on the Middle Peninsula The Virginia Department of Forestry has created a new 1,811-acre state forest, Dragon Run State Forest, in King and Queen County.		John Campbell, VDOF (434) 220-9070 (434) 989-0665
March 19, 2008: Gov. Mark Warner and Lisa Collis Donate $1.5 Million to Conservancy’s Allegheny Highlands Program The Nature Conservancy announced today that former Gov. Mark R. Warner and former first lady of Virginia Lisa Collis have given $1.5 million to the international group to help advance its conservation work in the Allegheny Highlands of western Virginia.		David Dadurka 240-731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org
March 18, 2008: TNC, Virginia DMME, and Virginia Tech Establish an Innovative Mined Land Reforestation Project Mine land reforestation project is designed to restore approximately 80 acres of native Appalachian forest and thereby increase the absorption of carbon dioxide, one of the main greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.		David Dadurka 240-731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org
March 14, 2008: $6 million effort to expand Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that with the transfer of 22 acres in lower Northampton County they have completed an 82-acre, $6 million conservation effort to expand the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge.		David Dadurka 240-731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org David Phemister 804-644-5800 x21 dphemister@tnc.org
February 13, 2008: TNC Applauds State’s Decision to Issue Permit for Charlottesville-Albemarle Water Supply Plan A water supply plan balances the needs of people and nature and helps increase natural flows to key Rivanna waterways.		David Dadurka 240-731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org Ridge Schuyler 434-951-0584 rschuyler@tnc.org
January 15, 2008: The Nature Conservancy Applauds Congressional Support for Conservation and Restoration Projects The Nature Conservancy today applauded members of Virginia’s congressional delegation for their hard work in securing more than $3 million for conservation projects that help protect and restore globally important migratory-bird habitat and safeguard mature swamp forests.		David Dadurka 240-731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org David Phemister 804-644-5800 x21 dphemister@tnc.org
December 19, 2007: Nature Conservancy and Army Corps to spend $3.2 million to restore Charlottesville's Meadow Creek Project Aims to Reduce Erosion and Sedimentation, Enhance Natural Habitat for Plants, Animals and Aquatic Creatures		David Dadurka 240-731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org
December 10, 2007: Sussex County Landowner, Longleaf Pine Enthusiast, Donates Conservation Easement to Nature Conservan Sussex County resident William Owen donates a conservation easement on his 1,400-acre property to protect longleaf pine and several rare plant and animal species.		David Dadurka 240-731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org
December 03, 2007: Wildlife Photographer Donates Conservation Easement over 119 Acres in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Wildlife photographer and retired executive Dennis Liberson donates a conservation easement to protect and restore 119 acres of gentle, rolling pastures in Fauquier County.		David Dadurka 240-731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org
October 18, 2007: Nature Conservancy in Virginia Statement on Warner-Lieberman Climate Legislation A statement was issued today by Michael Lipford, Virginia executive director of The Nature Conservancy.		Dave Dadurka 240-731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org
August 03, 2007: Nature Conservancy’s Virginia Director Praises Senator Warner for Work on Climate Change Legislation Michael Lipford, Virginia executive director of The Nature Conservancy, today applauded Senator John Warner for his bold leadership on climate change.		David Phemister 804-837-0956 dphemister@tnc.org
July 12, 2007: Nature Conservancy Sells Cobb Island Station The Nature Conservancy announced today that it has sold Cobb Island Station, a former U.S. Coast Guard Station, for $4.1 million to Cobb Island Station LLC.		David Dadurka 240-731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org
June 21, 2007: State, Local Funds Help Protect 500 Acres of Old-Growth Cypress Swamp Isle of Wight County and The Nature Conservancy partner on wetland protection project		David Dadurka 240-731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org Brian van Eerden 804-644 5800 ext. 19 bvaneerden@tnc.org
May 30, 2007: Nature Conservancy Appoints New Clinch Valley Program Director Brad Kreps returns to southwest Virginia as the new Clinch Valley Program Director after leading the Conservancy’s Allegheny Highlands Program.		David Dadurka 240-731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org Brad Kreps 276-676-2209 bkreps@tnc.org
March 14, 2007: TNC Applauds Sen. William Wampler and Del. Terry Kilgore for Brumley Mountain Project Legislators were instrumental in designating $1.6 million toward state’s acquisition of largest privately-owned tract in Washington County		David Dadurka 240-731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org Matthew Crum 276-676-2209 mcrum@tnc.org
March 14, 2007: City of Fredericksburg Finalizes 4,232-acre Conservation Easement Agreement A conservation easement with TNC, Virginia Outdoors Foundation and Department of Game and Inland Fisheries protects nearly 60 miles of riparian land along Rappahannock and Rapidan rivers and tributaries.		David Dadurka 240-731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org
February 08, 2007: Nature Conservancy Applauds Bush Administration’s Support for Nottoway River Forest Legacy Project The Nature Conservancy today applauded President Bush’s inclusion of $1.5 million for the Virginia Department of Forestry’s Nottoway River project in his funding request for the Forest Legacy Program for Fiscal Year 2008.		David Dadurka 240-731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org
February 06, 2007: The Nature Conservancy Transfers 210 Acres on Eastern Shore to US Fish and Wildlife Service The Nature Conservancy completed its transfer of 210 acres on the Eastern Shore of Virginia to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The transfer is part of approximately 490 acres of land the Conservancy purchased in March 2005.		David Dadurka 240-731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org
December 20, 2006: Conservation Coalition and Military Create Partnership in VA, Secure Conservation Easement Fort A.P. Hill formalized its partnership with five other organizations dedicated to conservation in the region around the installation during a signing ceremony Tuesday at the installation’s Romenick Hall. The ceremony also celebrated the first conservation easement placed on a property adjacent to the installation via the partnership.		David Dadurka, The Nature Conservancy (301) 897-8570 ddadurka@tnc.org Ken Perrotte (804) 633-8324 Ken.Perrotte@us.army.mil
November 01, 2006: BP, The Nature Conservancy Gift of 655 Acres Benefits State, York County Representatives from BP, The Nature Conservancy and Virginia’s Natural Resources Secretariat today commemorated the donation of 655 acres of undeveloped land in York County. The land was donated by BP to the Conservancy earlier this year as a way of preserving the acreage.		David Dadurka, The Nature Conservancy (240) 731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org John Curry, BP America (443) 562-7274 john.curry@bp.com
September 21, 2006: The Nature Conservancy in Virginia completes 20,830-acre conservation deal with International Paper The Nature Conservancy in Virginia completed a conservation deal with International Paper that protects 20,830 acres of forestland in Sussex, Surry, Isle of Wight and Southampton counties.		David Dadurka (240) 731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org Brian van Eerden (804) 644 5800 ext. 19 bvaneerden@tnc.org
May 25, 2006: Nature Conservancy Seeks Buyer for Historic Eastern Shore Coast Guard Station The Conservancy will sell Cobb Island Station and approximately 32 waterfront acres surrounding the historic building, all of which will be protected with a conservation easement.		David Dadurka 240-731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org
May 23, 2006: BP America Donates 655 Acres along the York River to The Nature Conservancy The forested property is located near the mouth of the York River.		David Dadurka The Nature Conservancy (240) 731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org John Curry BP America (443) 562-7274
May 18, 2006: Nature Conservancy Seeks Conservation Buyer for 982-Acre Coles Mountain Tract The Conservancy seeks a conservation-minded buyer for its 982-acre tract on Coles Mountain in Bath County, Virginia.		Brad Kreps (540) 839-3599 bkreps@tnc.org David Dadurka (240) 731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org
May 16, 2006: Nature Conservancy, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Begin First Partnership Effort The Nature Conservancy’s Chesapeake Bay Initiative, a multi-state effort, announced the launch of its first native oyster restoration project in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Conservancy and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) are collaborating on the project, which received funding through a national partnership between the Conservancy and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Community-based Restoration Program.		Dave Dadurka (301) 897-8570 ddadurka@tnc.org Chuck Epes (804)780-1392 cepes@cbf.org
May 04, 2006: Governor Tim Kaine and The Nature Conservancy Celebrate Conservation Success, Promote New Goal Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and The Nature Conservancy held a news conference celebrating conservation successes on the Eastern Shore and addressing the future of land conservation in the state.		David Dadurka 240-731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org
April 28, 2006: The Nature Conservancy Opposes Proposed Sale of U.S. Forest Service Lands The Nature Conservancy, the world’s leading conservation organization, today submitted comments to the U.S. Forest Service expressing strong opposition to the proposed sale of 200,000 acres of Forest Service lands that had been recommended in President Bush’s 2007 budget proposal.		Dave Dadurka 240-731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org
March 28, 2006: The Nature Conservancy Protects 218,000 Acres of U.S. Forestland In the single largest private land conservation sale in the history of the South, The Nature Conservancy and partners will protect 218,000 acres of forestland across 10 states, including more than 20,000 acres in Virginia.		Bridget Lowell 703-841-4531 blowell@tnc.org For International Paper Amy Sawyer 203-253-6430 For The Conservation Fund Jena Thompson 512-423-5086
February 09, 2006: The Nature Conservancy Applauds President’s Budget Request for Wildlife Refuge on Eastern Shore The administration’s budget request includes $2.27 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge.		Dave Dadurka 240-731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org Steve Parker 757-442-3049 sparker@tnc.org
February 06, 2006: Nature Conservancy Rebuilds Forests, Restores Migratory Bird Habitat on Eastern Shore North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant provides funds to plant 95,000 native hardwood trees and 25,000 native shrubs.		David Dadurka 240-731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org Joe Scalf 757-442-3049 jscalf@tnc.org
January 18, 2006: Sussex County Landowner Completes the Largest Planting of Longleaf Pine in Virginia Crews working for landowner Bill Owen completed the largest planting of longleaf pine in the state last week on his 1,400-acre property.		David Dadurka 240-731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org Brian van Eerden 804-644-5800, ext. 19 bvaneerden@tnc.org
January 18, 2006: Nature Conservancy Staff Member Appointed Deputy Secretary of Natural Resources Governor Timothy M. Kaine has appointed Nikki Rovner as the state’s next deputy secretary of natural resources.		David Dadurka 240-731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org
January 18, 2006: Donation to Nature Conservancy Protects Nearly 1,600 Acres in Albemarle County The donation protects the historic 1,581-acre Castle Hill, located in the Southwest Mountains of Albemarle County.		David Dadurka 240-731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org Ridge Schuyler (804)434-951-0584 rschuyler@tnc.org
December 15, 2005: Appointment of Delegate Bryant to Secretary of Natural Resources The Nature Conservancy applauds Governor-Elect Tim Kaine’s appointment of the Honorable Preston L. Bryant, Jr. as Virginia’s next Secretary of Natural Resources.		Michael Lipford (804)644-5800 ext. 14 mlipford@tnc.org Helen Tansey (804)644-5800 ext. 20 htansey@tnc.org
September 26, 2005: Virginia Conservation Groups Launch Voter-Education Campaign The Virginiaforever coalition's “One Voice. Yours.” campaign seeks to raise voter awareness about Virginia's need to increase state funding for natural resources protection.		Helen Tansey Phone: (804) 644-5800, ext. 20 htansey@tnc.org
August 09, 2005: Nature Conservancy Restoring More Than a Half-Mile of Rivanna River Tributary The Conservancy is restoring approximately 3,000 linear feet of an unnamed tributary to the Rivanna River in Albemarle County.		David Dadurka Phone: (240) 731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org
July 29, 2005: The Nature Conservancy Applauds Congressional Support for Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR Federal funding will help refuge purchase a key tract overlooking the Chesapeake Bay in Northampton County.		Steve Parker Phone: (757) 442-3049 sparker@tnc.org
June 30, 2005: Nature Conservancy Announces $1 Million Donation from Nestle Waters to Preserve Threatened Waters With a donation from Nestle Waters, The Nature Conservancy announced a project to protect two important freshwater ecosystems across the United States.		David Dadurka Phone: (240) 731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org
May 31, 2005: Nature Conservancy Protects 126 Acres Stretching from Bayside to Seaside on Eastern Shore Conservancy purchases land, receives donated conservation easement from Eastern Shore farmers		David Dadurka Phone: (240) 731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org
April 06, 2005: Prominent Norfolk Couple Donates $101,000 to The Nature Conservancy David R. and Susan S. Goode's unrestricted gift to the Wild Virginia Campaign moves the Conservancy closer to its $52-million goal.		David Dadurka Phone: (240) 731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org Photos available via email.
March 18, 2005: Conservancy, Partners Awarded $900,000 Federal Grant Public-private partnership will place nearly 2,000 acres under conservation easement and restore nearly 600 acres of wildlife habitat on Eastern Shore.		David Dadurka Phone: (240) 731-1606 ddadurka@tnc.org
March 09, 2005: Nature Conservancy Protects Nearly 500 Acres on Eastern Shore from Future Development The property is near the southern tip of the Eastern Shore, which is considered critical habitat for migratory birds.		David Dadurka Phone: (301) 897-8570 ddadurka@tnc.org
December 22, 2004: The Nature Conservancy Signs 1,193-Acre Land Protection Agreement on Clover Hill Farm Permanent agreement will protect rolling farmland from intense future development.		David Dadurka Phone: (301) 897-8570 ddadurka@tnc.org Ridge Schuyler Phone: (434) 996-6780 rschuyler@tnc.org
December 15, 2004: The Nature Conservancy to Manage 9,800-Acre Woodland Using Ecologically Sustainable Forestry The forest management easement protects intact forest and a significant cave system and offers opportunities to restore historic Appalachian forest.		David Dadurka Phone: (240) 731-1606 E-mail: ddadurka@tnc.org Matthew Crum Phone: (276) 676-2209 E-mail: mcrum@tnc.org
December 01, 2004: Virginia Natural Areas, Wildlife to Benefit from Federal Funding The Conservancy applauds federal appropriations of more than $2 million to protect important natural areas across Virginia.		Nikki Rovner Phone: (804) 644-1681 E-mail: nrovner@tnc.org
October 27, 2004: The Nature Conservancy Partners with NASA to Study Migratory Songbirds on Virginia’s Eastern Shore Information gleaned from the research will guide future protection and restoration work along the Shore.		David Dadurka Phone: (240) 731-1606 E-mail:ddadurka@tnc.org
September 30, 2004: The Nature Conservancy Applauds $800,000 Forest Legacy Funding Request for Dragon Run Forest Legacy funds would help the Virginia Department of Forestry and the Conservancy protect 600 acres in the Dragon Run watershed.		Nikki Rovner Phone: (804) 644-1681 E-mail: nrovner@tnc.org Andy Lacatell Phone: (804) 443-0386 E-mail: alacatell@tnc.org
September 15, 2004: The Nature Conservancy Opens Office in Warm Springs Brad Kreps has been named as director of the Allegheny Highlands Program.		Brad Kreps Phone: (540) 839-3599 E-mail: bkreps@tnc.org
September 02, 2004: The Nature Conservancy Joins with State to Plan Counter-Attacks on Invasive Species The Nature Conservancy applauds and has committed private funds to the Virginia Invasive Species Council.		David Dadurka Phone: (301) 897-8570 E-mail: ddadurka@tnc.org
July 23, 2004: The Nature Conservancy Receives $3M Anonymous Gift, Protects Hightop Mountain An anonymous gift has helped fund the acquisition of 703 acres adjacent to Shenandoah National Park.		Daniel White Phone: (434) 951-0566 E-mail: dwhite@tnc.org Ridge Schuyler Phone: (434) 951-0584 E-mail: rschuyler@tnc.org
July 19, 2004: The Nature Conservancy Receives $250,000 from Ingalls Foundation A gift from the Louise H. and David S. Ingalls Foundation will support conservation projects on and around Warm Springs Mountain Preserve.		Berkeley Pollard Phone: (804) 644-1683 E-mail: bpollard@tnc.org
July 15, 2004: The Nature Conservancy Receives $350,000 Grant From Dominion Foundation The Nature Conservancy recently received a $350,000 grant from the Dominion Foundation to fund critical conservation efforts in Virginia and West Virginia. The grant to the Conservancy is one of the largest ever given by the Dominion Foundation.		Berkeley Pollard Phone: (804) 502-5461 E-mail: bpollard@tnc.org
March 31, 2004: Nature Conservancy Acquires 4,836 acres on Brumley Mountain $3.5 million purchase protects a key area of intact forest.		Matthew Crum Phone: (276) 676-2209 Daniel White Phone: (434) 951-0566
December 22, 2003: New Coalition Launches "VirginiaForever" Campaign For the first time in Virginia, representatives from business, public health and recreation groups; hunters and anglers; the Conservancy and other conservation organizations have banded together in support of increased state funding for natural resource programs.		Daniel White Phone: (434) 951-0566 dwhite@tnc.org
November 04, 2003: Virginia Officials Praised for Securing Funds for Dragon Run The Nature Conservancy applauds Virginia's congressional delegation for their efforts in securing $2 million in federal Forest Legacy Program funds to protect land along Dragon Run.		Daniel White Phone: (434) 951-0566 dwhite@tnc.org
March 26, 2003: Dave Matthews Band Partners with Nature Conservancy to Plant Trees With support from the band, the Conservancy is restoring wooded areas along the Rivanna River.		Daniel White Phone: (434) 951-0566 E-mail: dwhite@tnc.org
May 02, 2002: Nature Conservancy Launches $67 million Campaign for Conservation: Largest in Chesapeake Bay History Campaign Opens with Maryland’s and Virginia’s Largest Land Purchases		Daniel White Phone: (434) 295-6106 E-mail: dwhite@tnc.org
April 22, 2002: Virginia's Biological Diversity Ranks in Top Quarter While Virginia ranks in the top quarter of states in the diversity of plant and animal species it harbors, eight percent of those species are considered at risk of extinction.		Daniel White Phone: (434) 295-6106 E-mail: dwhite@tnc.org
January 14, 2002: Clinch Valley Eco-Loan Funds Available to Entrepreneurs Program provides flexible rates and term loans for business start-ups or expansions that demonstrate environmentally-compatible economic development.		Teresa Harless Phone: (276) 676-2209
October 18, 2001: Nature Conservancy to Celebrate 50th Anniversary on October 22 The Nature Conservancy, the organization known for protecting nature's Last Great Places, will celebrate its 50th anniversary October 22, 2001.		Daniel White Phone: (434) 295-6106 E-mail: dwhite@tnc.org
July 23, 2001: Nature Preserve Boosts Protection of Rare Barrens Communities, Clinch River The Nature Conservancy announces the acquisition of a 438-acre natural area to protect a globally-rare plant community as well as significant habitat for endangered freshwater mussels.		Bill Kittrell Phone:(540) 676-2209 E-mail: bkittrell@naxs.net Daniel White Phone: (434) 295-6106 E-mail: dwhite@tnc.org
May 09, 2001: Land Conservation a Top Priority for State Funding 80% of Virginia Voters Favor Dedicating $40 Million to Protect Open Space, Forests, Farms and Clean Water, According to a New Statewide Poll		Daniel White Phone: (804) 295-6106 Susan Clark, Trust for Public Land Phone: (212) 677-7171 Chuck Epes, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Phone: (804) 780-1392
April 25, 2001: The Nature Conservancy Protects Top Target on Clinch River Acquiring Kyles Ford Preserve is part of an effort to protect habitat for plants and animals, as well as water for human consumption and recreation.		Bill Kittrell Phone: (540) 676-2209 E-mail: bkittrell@naxs.net Daniel White Phone: 804-295-6106 E-mail: dwhite@tnc.org
January 26, 2001: The Nature Conservancy Acquires Island on North Fork of Holston River The Nature Conservancy has acquired a 1 1/4-acre island on the North Fork of the Holston River as a restoration site for endangered freshwater mussels.		Bill Kittrell Phone: (540)676-2209 E-mail: bkittrell@tnc.org Daniel White Phone: (804) 295-6106 E-mail: dwhite@tnc.org
January 04, 2001: International Paper First to Enroll in Nature Conservancy Program International Paper today became the first private landowner in Virginia to enroll in The Nature Conservancy’s “Safe Harbor” program in Sussex County.		Daniel White Phone: (804) 295-6106 E-mail: dwhite@tnc.org James Foster Phone: (912) 238-7240 E-mail: james.foster@ipaper.com
October 30, 2000: New State Natural Area Protects Rare Plants and Clinch River The Nature Conservancy and Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) hosted a ceremony today to announce the acquisition of a 501-acre natural area near the town of Cleveland in Russell County.		Bill Kittrell, Daniel White, Lois delBueno 540-676-2209 or 804-295-6106
July 19, 2000: Nature Conservancy Acquires More Land for Clinch River Preserve The Nature Conservancy has purchased 44 acres adjoining its Cleveland Island Preserve on the Clinch River, ½-mile downstream from the town of Cleveland in Russell County.		Bill Kittrell, Daniel White bkittrell@naxs.net, 540-676-2209, dwhite@tnc.org, 804-295-6106
June 08, 2000: Nature Conservancy adds 1,160 acres to red-cockaded woodpecker preserve The Nature Conservancy has stepped up its recovery program for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker by purchasing 1,160 acres of mature pine forest contiguous to its Piney Grove Preserve in Sussex County.		Margaret Zokowski, Daniel White dwhite@tnc.org, 804-295-6106 mzokowski@hnrg.com, 617-747-1544