Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced that $15.5 million in grants will be distributed through the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF) to conserve 8,606 acres across the state for fiscal year 2026. The funding supports 28 projects focused on expanding state natural area preserves, open spaces, parks, and protecting farmland, working forests, historic battlefields, and culturally significant sites.
According to Governor Youngkin, “The Virginia Land Conservation Foundation grant awards will support projects spanning all the way from Scott County in Southwest Virginia to Virginia Beach on the Chesapeake Bay. I’m proud that we have made significant, meaningful investments over the last four years to protect our natural resources and boost our local economies. By expanding open spaces and outdoor recreational opportunities, we’re bolstering local economic activity while providing beautiful, natural places for Virginians and visitors to recreate.”
The awarded grants are divided among several categories: farmland preservation, forest preservation, historic preservation, natural area protection, and open spaces and parks.
Virginia Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Stefanie Taillon commented on the diversity of the projects supported by these funds: “From multigenerational farms and forests with vital natural resources to battlefield sites interwoven with rich histories, these projects represent a variety of unique and impactful opportunities for land protection in Virginia. Each of the 28 grant awards will leverage the contributions of private landowners and conservation-focused organizations to ensure the Commonwealth’s very best lands are protected for generations to come.”
Andrew Smith, Acting Director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), highlighted DCR’s role: “DCR is proud to run the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation program, which has supported public parks, natural areas and historic lands — as well as our hard-working farmers and foresters — over the past 26 years. These strategically targeted projects will improve water quality and support habitat for Virginia’s wildlife and plants.”
The VLCF Board of Trustees members are appointed by various government officials including the Governor. The board includes representatives such as the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry; DCR provides staff support.
A complete list of grant recipients is available online.
