By Rob Hedelt
When they were younger, Henrico County couple Carole and Welford Taylor bought two lots in Northumberland County near Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club. At the time, they planned to eventually build a home or cottage there.
However, as Welford, an English professor for 40 years at the University of Richmond, explained however, “Life intervened. They were given a subordinate place in our evolving lives.”
Recently, on the advice of their friend Gordon Wilkins, the couple decided to move on from the lots, donating the properties at the corner of Comanchee Lane and Tuckahoe Drive to the Northern Neck Land Conservancy.
Taylor said the couple were glad to single out the nonprofit for the donation because they believe in its mission to preserve open land and protect the rural way of life in the region that is feeling the effects of growth and development.
“Most people think of Northern Neck Land Conservancy as the place to secure a conservation easement and protect their private land, rather than to give it away,” said Executive Director, Lisa Biever. “But in a case like this where a property is not a good candidate for that kind of conservation, a gift of real estate is a highly impactful way for generous people to help our organization protect open space land in the region as a whole.”
The Land Conservancy’s full mission statement – to preserve the rural heritage of the Northern Neck and Essex County by conserving their lands, water, economies and culture for future generations – is something the Taylors understand and agree with.
Northern Neck Land Conservancy President, Chip Minor, shared how much the organization values this gift and all of the donations the nonprofit receives. “Land is a precious resource, and our mission is to preserve and protect it, not just for now, but for future generations. Donations like this generous gift from the Taylor’s are critical to advancing our mission.
“Preserving open land needs to be done as early as possible,” said Taylor, who’s specialty at the University of Richmond, where he served as the English department chairman, was American literature. “In Richmond, as in other cities, you get the feeling that a lot of development took place too soon. Now, they’re having to destroy a lot of it to create the kind of housing needed so much in urban centers.”
He noted that he and Carole, who worked as a teacher in Richmond City Schools and then went on to create a kindergarten program at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Richmond, share a long view of social evolution and preserving open spaces.
“The land is there, and your options are open. Make informed decisions before growth gets there. . . It’s the continuation of an important American tradition,” said Welford. “This vast amount of open land: As much as you can hold on to it, and teach its values, the better off you are.”
Taylor noted that his family has a history of open, farmed land being taken for another use: the creation of a military base in World War II.
“My parents were part of the diaspora that came about when Fort A.P. Hill was established during the early years of World War II,” he said. “A tremendous number uprooted, going off in many directions. . . My father was one of seven boys, many working as farmers. Along with one of my uncles, we moved to Spotsylvania County, where I grew up in the Chancellor area.”
He noted that Carole had grown up in Hanover County, and that they now happily reside on an acre and a half in Henrico County.
He added that Northern Neck Land Conservancy’s mission resonates with them because they each have family histories in rural areas, places where farming and open land were part of everyday life.
The Land Conservancy has officially listed the two lots for sale, which total 1/2 acre. Click here to see the full listing and get more information. Proceeds from the sale will support the growing organization’s increased workload, preserving more properties each year.
There are many ways to become involved for readers who also would like to support Northern Neck Land Conservancy’s mission. Call 804-250-2334 or email info@nnconserve.org to learn more about establishing a conservation easement or making a charitable contribution. It’s also easy to make a gift online or sign up for the organization’s email newsletter on their website at nnconserve.org.
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