The goal of conservation is to manage and preserve our natural resources, ecosystems, and wildlife for future generations to enjoy. But how do we prepare the next generation to carry on this essential work? Today’s young people will be tomorrow’s land stewards and conservation leaders.
This spring, as the birds come home and plants spring back to life, we’re highlighting opportunities, like the Shenandoah Valley Conservation Fellowship, the Appalachian Conservation Corps, and Agriculture Land Labs, that are preparing youth and early career professionals with the skills to support conservation here in the Valley and beyond.
To kick it off, the Alliance’s Director of Community Engagement, Maya Alexander, shares how she came to pursue a career in conservation through a workforce development program. Her story, below, is a testament to the impact these kinds of programs have on young people, and in turn, the landscapes they care about.
From Creek Adventures to Career Advocacy: Maya’s Journey
For as long as I can remember, the outdoors was my world—whether I was hunting for bugs, reading weather books, or exploring the local creek. Like many, that nature-loving kid in me eventually took a backseat—bugs were no longer cool and the creek couldn’t compete with the Nintendo.
That passion for the outdoors found me again during my senior year of college. A course on climate change shifted my perspective, blending environmental science with a study of human thought and behavior. This fresh lens eventually led me to the Chesapeake Conservation Climate Corps, the year-long workforce development program I credit with launching my career.
Maya (left) at the family homeplace, where early years rooted in nature became a lifelong mission to protect it.
The Corps was more than just a foot in the door. It offered the essential skills and network I needed to navigate the field. My journey since has taken me from an environmental educator at various sites across the watershed to my current role as the Director of Community Engagement at the Alliance.
Because of my own journey, I am a tireless advocate for supporting the next generation of environmental stewards—especially through initiatives like the Shenandoah Valley Conservation Fellowship and our partnership with the Appalachian Conservation Corps. Together, we are ensuring that the next generation of leaders receives the same strong support, mentorship and clear path forward that I was fortunate to find.
~Maya Alexander, Director of Community Engagement
Harvesting Potential: How Ag Labs are Cultivating a New Generation of Leaders
The future of land stewardship is moving out of the classroom and into the barn. Through Agriculture Land Labs, students are engaging in hands-on, outdoor learning that brings environmental and agricultural concepts to life. These labs come in many shapes and sizes—ranging from small sheep pastures and greenhouses to expansive acreage for cropland. Read More →
Shenandoah Valley Conservation Fellowship
In 2025, we helped launch the Shenandoah Valley Conservation Fellowship: a work-based learning program designed to bridge the gap between the classroom and the field. By matching qualified undergraduate and graduate students from regional colleges and universities with regional conservation organizations, the Alliance and our partners (Potomac Conservancy, Shenandoah Valley Conservancy and Sustainable Shenandoah Valley) are providing the professional development and meaningful training necessary to build a robust natural resource conservation workforce for the Valley. Read More →
Expanding Our Impact: Welcoming Appalachian Conservation Corps
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. Read More →
Secure Your Land’s Future: Generation NEXT Legacy Planning
Is your family forest ready for the next generation? Generation NEXT—an award-winning program from the Virginia Department of Forestry and Virginia Cooperative Extension—provides the essential tools to keep your land intact, in forest, and in the family.
Upcoming Events:
- “Be Lawyer Ready” Webinar | May 27, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Save time and money by preparing ahead of time to meet with a lawyer about legacy planning. Ensure you get the exact outcomes you want for your land and heirs. Learn more or register today!
- Full Legacy Planning Workshop | Warrenton, July 24 & 25
A comprehensive, in-person session for deep-dive planning. Registration opening soon.
Shenandoah Rail Trail Update
The Shenandoah Rail Trail, the proposed 49-mile multi-use path connecting nine towns and three counties between Broadway and Front Royal, needs your input again! Fortunately, in February, the Commonwealth committed to purchasing the corridor and reinstated the public meetings and an online survey for folks to provide input. This is the community’s moment to advocate for a vision—the Shenandoah Rail Trail—that is feasible, fiscally responsible, and results in a high-quality trail.
Please show your support for preserving the corridor and building the 49-mile Rail-TO-Trail option. For the latest project updates, visit: shenandoahrailtrail.org.
County Updates
Augusta, Rockingham, & Shenandoah
New Faces in County Hallways!
We’re excited to introduce three new staff members from our partner localities: Jack Hurst (Shenandoah), Dwayne Martin (Rockingham), and Delaney Krasner (Augusta). Check out our Q&A to learn more about their backgrounds and what they have planned for their counties. Read the Q&As here →
Photo: (Left) Jack Hurst, Shenandoah County’s new Planner. (Right) Delaney Krasner, Augusta County’s new Planner.
Page & Warren
Hands-on “Speed-Dating” Workshops Advance Local Conservation Goals
The Alliance’s Shenandoah Valley Conservation Collaborative and conservation partners are hosting a series of hands-on workshops to connect Valley landowners with the technical expertise and funding opportunities needed for impactful conservation. From rain gardens and native plantings to streambank repair and cattle exclusion, these sessions cover a wide range of land-management solutions. Read more here →
Welcome New Board Members
We are thrilled to introduce the newest members of our Board of Directors, each bringing a unique passion for the Shenandoah Valley’s land and water. To help you get to know them, we asked each new member to share their favorite Valley view, favorite season, or a go-to local food that makes this region feel like home. Read their responses →
