[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 97 (Friday, June 7, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E597]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





RECOGNIZING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA CONSERVATION 
                                 TRUST

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 7, 2024

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Northern Virginia 
Conservation Trust on the occasion of its 30th anniversary. Founded in 
1994, NVCT undertook a mission to sustain abundant, thriving and 
natural places in local neighborhoods and communities. Over the past 30 
years, their efforts have led to the protection of over 9,000 acres of 
land, comprising parks, streams, forests and farms in both rural and 
urban settings. In a region of over 3 million people and growing, that 
is an incredible accomplishment that deserves high praise.
  NVCT has achieved many significant milestones by demonstrating the 
energy and willingness to address grassroots environmental concerns and 
connect with their community. Their mission has been to add and sustain 
abundant, thriving natural places in out Virginia communities while 
cultivating inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in every 
facet of their work. Regardless of our backgrounds, the land and water 
surrounding us connect us. NVCT believes that if we are to truly 
execute our vision of a more equitable Northern Virginia, we must 
address conservation's systemic injustices and inequities.
  As they look towards the next 30 years, NVCT has renewed their 
commitment to land conservation and the promise of an even more 
impactful future. Their theme this year is ``Rise to the Occasion,'' 
which includes the acronym of RISE, ``Responsibility to Impacting 
Sustainable Environments.'' NVCT believes that rising to the occasion 
will mean being more strategic in their approach, identifying critical 
areas of our region that are most at risk of development and essential 
to protect. In those places, we must be undeterred in safeguarding 
natural habitats to secure a bright future for Northern Virginia's 
nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
  The existence of organizations like NVCT is a testament to the high 
level of civic engagement and citizen activism that we are blessed with 
not only in Fairfax County, but in Northern Virginia as a whole. The 
actions of governments, while important, will never be sufficient by 
themselves. Organizations like NVCT provide an invaluable supplement, 
which ensures that we will continue to prioritize preservation and 
conservation of our natural resources for future generations.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
Northern Virginia Conservation Trust on three decades of preserving 
nature. I commend them for their service to our community and our 
region and ask my colleagues to join me in wishing them great success 
in all their future endeavors. Cheers to another 30 years.

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