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The inspiration behind Leopold's Preserve was a man considered by many as the father of wildlife management and of the United States' wilderness system -- Aldo Leopold.

 

Throughout his life he played many roles:  wildlife manager, hunter, husband, father, naturalist, wilderness advocate, poet, scientist, philosopher, visionary and conservationist. Yet he may best be known as the author of A Sand County Almanac -- one of the most respected books about the environment ever published.

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The concept behind Leopold's Preserve originated from the sale and subsequent purchase of the South Market property - a 550 acre tract of land quietly nestled in the Rural Crescent, but planned and approved for industrial and commercial uses. By carving out just a slight portion of the land for a clustered residential community (Villages of Piedmont), the developer was able to protect in perpetuity the balance of the land which is enjoyed by hundreds of visitors each week.   

 

Leopold's Preserve has become a respite for local residents and weary travelers. Replete with 7 miles of interpretive trails, old hardwood forests, wildflower meadows, rock formations, and water features, there's much to see and do.

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The ownership and management of the Preserve is in the capable hands of the White House Farm Foundation, a nonprofit educational foundation with a focus on conservation of our local natural resources. Monthly nature walks are led by the Bull Run Mountains Conservancy, and the conservation easement on the property is held by The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT). Learn more about the work NVCT is doing by watching the video below.