Photo by J. Pamela Stills for Alexandria Living Magazine
Sen. Scott Surovell and Supervisor Dan Storck cut the ribbon at a ceremony Friday at River Farm.
The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT) and the American Horticultural Society (AHS) announced Friday, May 1, the completion of a permanent conservation easement on River Farm, owned by AHS and serving as its headquarters since 1973. The easement is a binding agreement that secures the beloved 25-acre property on the banks of the Potomac River as publicly accessible, open space in perpetuity.
Part of George Washington’s original Mount Vernon estate, River Farm is a treasured landmark steeped in history, horticultural beauty, and environmental value. The completion of the conservation easement, held and monitored by NVCT, ensures that this nationally significant site will remain a sanctuary for nature lovers, gardeners, horticulturists, and families across the region.
Photo by J. Pamela Stills for Alexandria Living Magazine
River Farm
AHS Board Chair Scott Plein and AHS President and CEO Suzanne Laporte pause for a photo at River Farm.
Once at risk of sale and potential destruction, River Farm has been preserved through the collective efforts of many committed advocates and supporters. The conservation easement concludes a years-long campaign that began in 2020, when AHS made the ill-advised decision to place the property on the market. The decision drew widespread concern from many members of the AHS Board, local residents, elected officials, environmental organizations, and conservation advocates.
Read: Five AHS Board Members Resign Over River Farm Sale Disagreement
“River Farm has truly come full circle,” said AHS President and CEO Suzanne Laporte.“We are thrilled to see this historic property permanently protected after a period of uncertainty," she said. "Over the past several years, we have seen significant improvements and successes that position River Farm for a vibrant future. We are proud to celebrate the preservation of a cherished landscape that means so much to our community.”
The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, a community-based nonprofit that conserves land for all of Northern Virginia, was called to action when River Farm’s status as a public site was at risk. NVCT led the “Save River Farm” campaign with a committee of local residents, building a powerful coalition that included local government officials, civic groups, and thousands of engaged citizens.
Photo by J. Pamela Stills for Alexandria Living Magazine
NVCT Executive Director Alan Rowsome speaks to the crowd Friday at River Farm.
“We are immensely proud to have helped assure the future of this incredible site along the shores of the Potomac, a river central to life in Northern Virginia,” said NVCT Executive Director Alan Rowsome.
“The protection of River Farm for all time is an example of what we can accomplish when we work together to make a difference in our region. Our impact at River Farm is emblematic of our efforts to save natural and open places throughout Northern Virginia.”
Thanks are due in large part to the crucial leadership of five AHS Board members, who stood their ground and remained dedicated to preserving River Farm as the organization’s headquarters and maintaining public access. Together with the support of state and local officials, including Sen. Scott Surovell and Supervisor Dan Storck, negotiations advanced to ensure long-term protection of the property.
“This achievement is a grand milestone in the history of AHS, River Farm, and the entire Northern Virginia region,” said AHS Board Chair Scott C. Plein.
The easement, now formally recorded, includes strong legal protections that prevent future commercial and residential development while allowing AHS to live its mission of inspiring a culture of gardening and horticultural practices that create and sustain healthy, beautiful communities and a livable planet.
Additionally, the easement ensures that River Farm will remain home to native plants and wildlife, serve as a living classroom, and stand as a symbol of conservation success in Northern Virginia. The site will continue to host public events, educational programs, and garden exhibits under the stewardship of AHS and NVCT. For NVCT, the protection of River Farm represents the importance of community action and protecting places that serve as Northern Virginia’s lifeblood and define the region.
"River Farm has long been a beloved nature escape for me, my children, and many neighbors in Mount Vernon," said NVCT Board Member Sarene Marshall. "Using our voices and power to conserve special places is what we do at NVCT, and River Farm is the kind of ecologically, historically, and culturally important site we seek to protect even more of across the Potomac Region"
The culmination of these efforts highlights the true power of grassroots conservation. A dedicated community came together, raised their voices, and made a lasting impact. Thanks to their advocacy, all of Northern Virginia—and generations to come—will be able to enjoy the beauty of River Farm’s exemplary gardens while also reflecting on the rich and complex history of the land.
About Northern Virginia Conservation Trust
The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust was founded in 1994 and is a regional non-profit land trust that works to preserve the land and natural resources of Northern Virginia. Located in Annandale, Virginia, we have protected close to 9,000 acres of land that serves 3 million residents in Northern Virginia. We work with landowners to keep their land thriving and abundant with life, both for them and the nearby nature of Northern Virginia. We strive to make these conservation opportunities and knowledge accessible to all community members by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do.
About The American Horticultural Society
Founded in 1922, the American Horticultural Society (AHS) is one of the most respected and longstanding nonprofit gardening organizations in North America. Celebrating the diverse and unique American gardening experience, AHS’ membership includes gardeners, plant enthusiasts, and horticultural professionals, as well as regional and national horticultural organizations. Through educational programs, awards, and publications, AHS inspires a culture of gardening and horticultural practices that creates and sustains healthy, beautiful communities and a livable planet. AHS is headquartered at River Farm, a 25-acre site in Alexandria, Virginia that was once a part of George Washington’s original farmland. Learn more at ahsgardening.org.
