Not everyone has a childhood like mine, but land conservation can help ensure that many future children do. 

Growing up, our U.S. Navy family had the good fortune to be stationed in places like Charleston, South Carolina and Kings Bay, Georgia. My brother and I roamed all around the Intercoastal waterway; fishing, shrimping, hiking and hunting. At the time we didn’t think it was so special, but looking back, it’s something to cherish. 

When my parents retired to Coles Point in Westmoreland County, we discovered the special region that includes the Northern Neck and Essex County. In 2023, my wife Andi and I learned that the farm just down the street from my parents was on the market and was already protected by a conservation easement entrusted to the Northern Neck Land Conservancy. We jumped at the chance to make it ours.  

The piece of land we feel so fortunate to own was a working farm, and before that a dairy. Today it has open fields, woodlands and wetlands full of wildlife like beavers, turkeys, and deer. The Northern Neck Land Conservancy is committed to helping ensure that open spaces like these survive.   

Having lived and worked in Stafford County, we’ve seen unfortunate examples of rampant urban sprawl. The communities along the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers have an opportunity now to take thoughtful action and avoid similar issues.   

A conservation easement is a great idea for many reasons. Professionally, I am a tax attorney and have seen that easements can be a great investment tool for landowners who value conservation. For many landowners, the financial gains can create a mutually beneficial outcome. 

The Northern Neck Land Conservancy’s mission is to preserve the rural heritage of our region by conserving its lands, water, economies, and culture for future generations. This mission reflects our hopes for our neighbors and our children. It’s one we stand by and want to support.  

Over the past year, the Northern Neck Land Conservancy celebrated its 20th anniversary. In June, it reached another important milestone: recording its 50th conservation easement. Altogether, the Land Conservancy stands as the perpetual steward of 7,828 acres! 

Today, the Northern Neck Land Conservancy is looking ahead and finding ways to increase its reach and preserve still more land. The Northern Neck Land Conservancy’s effort to preserve regional land, water, economies, and culture for future generations is essential. We decided to make a financial contribution to support its work.  

With sustaining financial support from generous supporters like you, the Northern Neck Land Conservancy can respond to conservation threats, support local landowners, and partner with individuals and organizations to build a strong regional community where conservation is a high priority. If you, too, believe in the Land Conservancy’s mission, I hope you will join us and make a gift today. 

Sincerely,

J. W. Chris Chitty