A NOTE OF GRATITUDE.
Kate Wofford, Executive Director
Thanks to your investment in the Shenandoah Valley’s resilience and beauty, we saw remarkable achievements in 2024.
Your support propelled our efforts in tracking state policy, advancing the Shenandoah Rail Trail, empowering community preservation, and supporting farmers’ stewardship of our land and water. We were also excited to launch the Shenandoah Valley Conservation Fellowship to cultivate new young conservationists with local land trust and university partners, welcoming our first student fellow in April!
Importantly, a significant gift from longtime generous donors doubled our Shenandoah Legacy Fund, ensuring the long-term stability of our community work and bolstering our ability to navigate challenges like the federal funding freezes earlier this year.
This brief report highlights recent successes. Going forward, our annual report will be delivered at the start of the year to align with our fiscal calendar. We welcome your questions and insights anytime and appreciate your continued partnership in our mission.
The thriving Shenandoah Valley—with its productive farms, clean water, and engaged communities—is a direct result of your vision and generosity. We are profoundly grateful for your support.
Gratefully,
Kate
You've invested in a thriving Shenandoah Valley
Here's how your support has made a difference:
PRESERVING UNIQUE HISTORY & NATURAL RESOURCES
From neighbors in Keezletown and Weyers Cave connecting through innovative landowner workshops, to Rockland residents creating a vital local history archive, you empower communities to actively preserve their unique character and natural beauty for generations to come.
CULTIVATING FUTURE CONSERVATIONISTS
You are directly shaping the future of conservation by supporting the Shenandoah Valley Conservation Fellowship. In its pilot year, the program provides four local students with year-long paid internships, equipping them with the skills and experience needed to become the next generation of environmental stewards.
SUSTAINING LOCAL FARMS & CLEAN WATER
Your partnership is crucial in advocating for continued state and federal funding that matches farmers’ investments in vital clean water and soil health practices. When funding freezes created significant challenges for our local farmers, your support was critical in ensuring their continued contribution to our farm vitality and clean water supply.
SAFEGUARDING OUR RURAL VOICE
Every year, we stand up for the unique needs of our rural communities in Richmond. Your support enables us to closely monitor and address proposed state policies. In 2025, this meant supporting bills that protect working farm and forest land and preserve a local voice on energy infrastructure and land use decisions.
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES & CREATING OPPORTUNITIES
Your investment is reigniting the Shenandoah Rail Trail, a vital project that promises to connect communities, provide safe transportation alternatives, and expand economic and recreational opportunities. Despite recent hurdles, we remain dedicated to working with local advocates to bring this nearly 50-mile multi-use rail-to-trail to life.
SHENANDOAH VALLEY LEGACY CIRCLE
We are deeply grateful to the following people for their legacy commitment to clean water, healthy and productive farmland and thriving communities. Their generosity will ensure our work continues and the Shenandoah Valley is a beautiful place to live, work and play for generations to come.
Christine and Fred Andreae
Eddie Bumbaugh and Jane Cox
Megan Gallagher
George L. Ohrstrom II
Babette Thorpe and John Rice
Brent Trumbo
2024 SOURCES OF ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT*
Income Total: $1,350,324
■ Individual Contributions 18%
■ Family Foundation Support 19%
■ Institutional and Federal Grants 58%
■ Sponsorship & Business Donations 1%
■ Other Grants 2%
■ Interest and Legacy Fund Earnings 2%
*Trial balance excluding a generous $1 million contribution to our Shenandoah Legacy Fund that is managed in the nature of an endowment. Audited financials and our 2024 990 are available upon request later this year.
2024 PROGRAM AND OPERATING EXPENSES
Expenses Total: $1,231,730
■ Program Services 91%
■ Administrative 5%
■ Development 4%
Photo Credit
Sneezeweed by Maya Alexander.
Keezletown Conservation Speed-dating by Kevin Tate
Farmscape and Ferns by Chris Anderson.
Greenway photo by LaterJay Photography on Pixabay