Landowners lauded for their preservation work

The Land Trust of Virginia, a nationally accredited nonprofit land trust that protects open space and natural and historic resources in Virginia, presented three prominent landowners with conservation awards at their annual "Garden Party to Save Virginia's Countryside" on June 13.

Amidst the bucolic setting of historic Buckland Farm in northern Fauquier and Prince William counties, the recipients each received a framed aerial photograph of their property.

Rose Marie Bogley — Fauquier County — was recognized as the LTV Landowner of the Year for her personal commitment to preserving one of Virginia's most spectacular properties, Bollingbrook, her beautiful 365-acre farm near Upperville in northwestern Fauquier County, which she placed in easement with LTV in December 2009. The easement protects the estate's extraordinary scenic agricultural open space, historic resources, and other conservation values, and represents another key piece in the effort to protect Upperville, one of Virginia's most historic villages.

After being abandoned for nearly 15 years, Bogley purchased the former plantation in 1985 and restored it once again to a working horse and cattle farm, where she also provides shelter to an assortment of abused and neglected animals.

A former schoolhouse on the property is now a spacious guest house, and numerous historical buildings have been restored, including an old cannery, stone barn, blacksmith shop, and an in-ground silo (the oldest in Virginia). In addition, an old slave church dating back to the early 1800s is currently being restored to serve as a private chapel.

"I was very surprised and flattered to receive this award," Bogley said. "I love my countryside home and feel so lucky to wake up here each day. It would be sad if all this was ever lost to development, so I pursued the Land Trust easement to ensure that generations to come will be able to enjoy this land as much as I do."

Sandy Lerner, of Loudoun County, was recognized as the LTV Steward of the Year for her careful, environmentally sensitive stewardship of Ayrshire Farm, her 900-acre property in southwestern Loudoun County. Lerner raises organic livestock, poultry and produce, which is then offered for sale through her Home Farm Store in Middleburg, the farm's online market, and at Hunter's Head Tavern, her restaurant in Upperville.

Lerner has constructed extensive fencing to protect the property's streams and water resources, which flow into Goose Creek and ultimately, into the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. In addition, she has carefully protected the property's significant Civil War heritage.

As one of the founding members of the Land Trust of Virginia, Linda Porter of Leesburg was recognized as the LTV Conservationist of the Year.

Since LTV's inception, Porter has taken a lead role in virtually all aspects of the group's operations. She served as a member of LTV's Board of Directors for more than a decade, including terms as president and treasurer of the organization. Porter remains active in several of LTV's standing committees, including the Easement Committee, Finance Committee, and Nominating Committee. She also continues to serve on LTV's Chairman's Advisory Council.

Porter holds an MS in environmental biology and owns and operates a wholesale tree nursery in Loudoun County. She also practices what she preaches: she and her husband, Winston, placed their 88-acre property in Loudoun County under conservation easement in December 2001.

In accepting her award, Porter commented, "I am very honored and thrilled to receive the award. The commitment to preservation runs deep in Virginia, and I am so glad to have been a part of that effort and hopefully to have made a difference."