This summer, our team grows as we welcome two members of the Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC). From May to September, these early-career conservationists will lead a critical regional effort to enhance our local waterways.
Our ACC duo will conduct maintenance assessments for riparian buffers—essential streamside plantings that filter runoff and prevent erosion. Because newly installed buffers are vulnerable to drought, deer pressure, and invasive species, the Corps members will assess the buffers and create plans for needed maintenance that ACC work crews will execute in the fall.
ACC is a non-profit organization designed to provide young adults and veterans with hands-on work experience while enhancing natural resources across the Appalachian region. By partnering with the Virginia Department of Forestry, local Soil & Water Conservation Districts and Natural Resource Conservation Service offices, our Corps members will gain vital professional development while ensuring our Valley’s farms and streams thrive for years to come.
Now in its third year, this buffer maintenance program—a partnership between members of the Alliance’s Shenandoah Valley Conservation Collaborative, Rappahannock River Roundtable, and James River Association—has scaled up to simultaneously run programs in all three watersheds.
To learn more about the program or if you are interested in riparian buffers, please reach out to Alliance Director of Conservation, Kevin Tate, at ktate@shenandoahalliance.org.
Fun Fellow Fact: During the summer of 2025, our new Fellow, Jade, was a Staff Youth Crew Lead for the Appalachian Conservation Corps! She mentored local Charlottesville interns as they carried out trail maintenance and conservation projects on the Rivanna Trail Loop and surrounding areas, enhancing community trail accessibility.
“For our biggest project, we rehabilitated a new trail and built a bridge, which served as the most challenging yet rewarding experience of my time there. I also really enjoyed driving the buggy we used to transport tons of gravel onto the trail! The overall highlight for me was experiencing community collaboration, with residents and community members volunteering to support our work, demonstrating what can be accomplished when people come together.”
Jade Shull,
2025 Appalachian Conservation Corps
& Alliance 2026 Fellow