STAUNTON, VA, February 15, 2010—In celebration of 20 successful years of land conservation, the Valley Conservation Council (VCC) announces the creation of a new endowment fund with The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge. Through its work as the Valley’s private land trust, the Valley Conservation Council makes a perpetual commitment to conserving land.  “Like the Community Foundation, Valley Conservation Council is here for the long haul. The creation of this endowment will help to ensure that voluntary land conservation remains strong in the region for generations to come,” says John Eckman, VCC Executive Director. “The fund offers local philanthropists an opportunity to focus on the natural and rural heritage of our region.”

“Keeping our beautiful and productive farm and forest lands intact for the future is not only good for the rivers, soils, and animals, it also helps protect the core of our major industries—farming, forestry, and tourism,” explains Eckman.
Becky Kohler, President / CEO of the Community Foundation, says her Board is pleased with the new partnership. “This is the first fund at the Foundation with an conservation focus. We are committed to helping donors with various charitable interests develop their own tailored philanthropic plan. This fund compliments our long track record with health and human services, education, and arts and culture by adding an option for environmentally oriented philanthropy.”

For more information about the Valley Conservation Council, please contact VCC Executive Director John Eckman at (540) 886-3541. To inquire about making a gift to the VCC Endowment Fund, contact Becky Kohler, President/CEO of the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge at (540) 213-2150.

About The Valley Conservation Council
The Valley Conservation Council (VCC) is dedicated to protecting the Shenandoah Valley region’s natural, agricultural, and cultural resources through private action and public planning. To date it has helped private landowners complete dozens of conservation projects using conservation easements and agricultural and forestal districts to protect their land. VCC is a non-profit land trust founded in 1990 and based in Staunton, Virginia. It is supported primarily from dues and donations from members as well as foundation and government grants.