August 22, 2024

Dear Piedmont Community,

We trust everyone had a pleasant summer despite the challenging drought, and that all eyes are on an exciting autumn ahead as the temperatures begin to break and fields return to green. Our Board is proud to report that we have successfully carried our momentum forward throughout the year and made new strides expanding our impact on preserving the northern Piedmont Region and its equestrian traditions. We welcomed Tom Salley to our Board of Directors in March who has been a terrific addition to our team and Katy continues to be a workhorse in executing our vision. We remain a small, but effective force and we are eager to continue building our legacy as a leading force in preservation.

We finished 2023 with several successful partnership events underlining the importance of conservation at every level. The highlight of last year was the November release of our Rural Landowner Manual, and we have been encouraged by all the positive reviews we have received from citizens, elected officials, and organizations across our region. We are now in the process of printing a companion brochure, Financial Incentives for Conservation, which we are excited to release in the coming months.

This year we have broadened our support of all equestrian disciplines, beginning with our donation to the Piedmont Point-to-Point Races and setting up a Bourbon and Champagne Bar on the course that brought supporters and newcomers together. Over Memorial Day Weekend we engaged with hundreds of visitors at the Trinity Stable Tour and in June we partnered with the OCH Conservation Foundation to sponsor the Irish Hunter Divisions at the Upperville Colt and Horse Show which we are doing again at the Warrenton Horse Show, August 28 – September 1, 2024.

In April we led two sold-out trail rides that featured stunning views of our protected countryside and discussed the preservation struggle to save our territory. We partnered with the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area (VPHA) for our ride through the Unison Battlefield Historic District and took riders through 11 farms, totaling over 2,200 acres under conservation easement. VPHA historians brought the Battle of Unison to life at key locations and told the history of several historic homes within the district. We also shared the emotional preservation stories behind the 47 wells at Devonwood and 12 wells at Kentwood representing houses that will never be built and reminding us that the community can come together to save our countryside.

Our historic conservation ride finished with a Champagne toast to Susan and Lloyd Ross who made the recent Kentwood victory possible. They placed all 190 acres of Kentwood under permanent conservation easement at the end of July, and we made a substantial contribution towards the stewardship costs, our second such donation to facilitate the protection of the Quaker Lane corridor. These successes drive our vigilance and determination to deliver on our commitment to finish turning the map green.

In June we took the Middleburg Montessori students to visit the Piedmont Kennels and Huntsman Jordan Hicks educated them on hound care and exercise, as well as life on the farm. It was uplifting to see their interest in learning, and enjoyment from engaging with the hounds firsthand. We hosted our second jump safety clinic with Juliet Graham at Anita Antenucci’s beautiful Arden Farm on Rokeby Road. The event sold out, the weather was perfect, and riders with a wide range of skills gained invaluable experience and education from the former Olympian and Honorary Whipper-In.

This summer we welcomed our second recipient of the Andrew Looney Passion and Dreams Scholarship, Lillian Wallace. She has done an excellent job assisting at the Piedmont Kennels and Stables and her help has been particularly valuable because of the work required for the temporary move during the new stable construction. Thanks to the tremendous munificence of our supporters, we purchased a new tractor which has been game changing in our trail clearing effort and will allow us to expand our trail offerings next spring.

Our fall calendar will offer a walking tour with renowned ecologist, Michael Gaige, that will take hikers along Goose Creek to learn about native species and best management practices. In addition, we will be hosting a series of targeted “work sessions” that will invite neighbors to learn more about the specific programs, resources, and education listed in the Rural Landowner Manual. On September 24th we will be hosting a Landowner Appreciation Party, details of which will be forthcoming in our next mailing.

Finally, we are excited to announce the launch of our new PFHCF 1840 Club! Members of the club will represent a prestigious circle of impact donors whose support is critical to the preservation of the northern Piedmont landscape, the Piedmont Fox Hounds, and our rural traditions. Everyone is eligible for membership with an annual tax-deductible donation of $1,000 or more.

 Membership benefits include:

✓ Elevated status as an impact donor

✓ Recognition in Piedmont’s Directory, Point-to-Point Program, and all other relevant publications

✓ Recognition at appropriate public events

✓ Invitation to our Annual 1840 Club Cocktail party and other exclusive events

Membership Levels:

Navy ($1,000+) ~ Old Gold ($2,500+) ~ Scarlet ($5,000+)

1840 Club Members will be the foundation on which we stand. While much of the world today is changing, we are steadfast in our resolve to see our traditions live on for the benefit of future generations and funds raised from the club will be crucial to our success.

I always intend to keep my letter to a single page, but in reviewing our progress and our many promising irons in the fire, I cannot help but be verbose in my missive. We have again expanded the footprint of our success, and this is still only the beginning of our story, but none of it would have happened without our incredibly generous supporters. Your donations have made us an effective preservation force since we left the starting gates, and you have allowed us to deliver tangible results in our community, most recently driving the effort to protect more than 300 acres of threatened territory on Quaker Lane with permanent conservation easements.

Together we have developed a deeper preservation awareness across our region and our events continue to connect new people to our beautiful, protected landscape. I extend my sincerest gratitude to our entire network of supporters. From welcoming landowners to generous donors, from our partner organizations to event volunteers, we stand humbly in your debt. With your continued support, there will be no ceiling to our success, and I appreciate your ongoing consideration.

With optimism and vigor,

C. Dulany Morison
Chairman, PFHCF