The five board members of the American Horticultural Society who were in favor of selling the 27-acre River Farm property along the Potomac River have all resigned.
The Washington Post first reported on the mass resignation of the board members and others. "Attorney John T. Richards Jr. said he received emailed copies of letters submitted by AHS Board Chair Terry Hayes and four other board members announcing their resignation, effective Thursday. Their names were also absent from the AHS website. Several staff members, including interim director J. Robert Brackman, also resigned, Richards said," according to The Washington Post.
The following email was sent Thursday evening to the supporters of Save River Farm, a campaign led by the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust:
Today's news of the resignation of the American Horticultural Society's Executive Director, Board Chair, and several additional board members is an important step towards our collective goal of protecting River Farm for all time.
Over the past few months, the divisions that existed on AHS' board had prevented them from moving forward as an organization, and hopefully that changes now. We are excited to work together with the new leadership of AHS to support them and to ensure that River Farm remains an incredible community asset that honors the cultural, historical, and natural legacy it represents.
— Save River Farm Committee Chair/NVCT Executive Director, Alan Rowsome
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The five remaining board member of AHS are: Holly Shimizu, Marcia Zech, Skipp Calvert, Tim J. Conlon and Laura Dowling.
Just a few days ago, the then-complete, 10-member board of directors voted to decline offers made by the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust to purchase or co-own the 27-acre River Farm property. They also said they were not considering an alternative offer by a possible developer to consolidate nearby properties to build a resort and conference center.
AHS had listed the property for sale so the proceeds could be used to further AHS’s national mission and programs and create a significant endowment to ensure its long-term financial future — and as part of an agreement to merge with another gardening association. But the merger never happened, and the sale of the historic property with a gorgeous view of the Potomac River drew sharp criticism from community members who are wary of development and argue the property should remain open to the public as it is now. Local government officials even got involved, creating a historic overlay district on the property.
The five remaining board members released the following statement late Thursday night:
Today five of our Board Colleagues who were committed to the sale of our national headquarters at River Farm resigned from the Board of the American Horticultural Society (AHS). We, the remaining members of the Board, wish to thank them for their years of service and generous contributions of time and money to the Society. While we have had our differences about the role of River Farm in future of AHS, we have always shared a commitment to the Society’s overarching goals and mission. We are also extremely grateful to the dedicated and hard-working AHS staff who have kept our programs and initiatives going throughout this difficult year.
This development marks a turning point for AHS and River Farm and presents an important opportunity to chart a new course on the eve of our 100th anniversary celebration – one that will both strengthen AHS as the stewards of River Farm and will ensure the preservation of this priceless property in perpetuity. It is the culmination of the devoted work and determination of many people and groups, including AHS Members and major donors, former AHS Board Members, the Attorney Generals of D.C. and Virginia, the Save River Farm movement, the Federal, State and local officials and the local community who have all worked so tirelessly to achieve this outcome.
As we begin the process of re-constituting the Board and electing new leadership, we are optimistic about the exciting opportunities for innovation and collaboration that lie ahead. Over the next few days and weeks, we will be outlining specific plans for moving forward with our ambitious goal of expanding national programming and initiatives, including increasing our fundraising capacity, pursuing conservation easements, and resuming public access to River Farm. In the final analysis, we are extremely grateful for the support of both our local constituencies and national membership base. We look forward to working with everyone -- our donors, neighbors and partners throughout the country as we rededicate ourselves to the preservation and stewardship of River Farm as a vital part of our national mission.
S/Skipp Calvert
S/Tim Conlon
S/Laura Dowling
S/Holly Shimizu
S/Marcia Zech
