The Land Trust of Virginia is pleased to announce the donation of 101.46 acres of beautiful woodlands in the northeast section of Stafford County from businessman Andrew "Andy" S. Garrett. Garrett is President of The Garrett Companies, a large multi-state residential and commercial development organization based in Stafford. This is his second donation of land to the Land Trust of Virginia (LTV).

The Land Trust of Virginia, based in Middleburg, will place the property, now known as River Place, into conservation easement, which will forever protect the conservation values of the property, and then sell it to a landowner(s) interested in a gorgeous wooded property on Aquia Creek.

River Place had been planned for a rural residential subdivision containing 27 lots and a preliminary plan for the development of the property had been approved by Stafford County. This tract of unimproved land fronts on Aquia Creek on the east side of Aquia Creek Road, and contains a ridgeline and rock outcroppings that provide lovely views of the Creek.

Aquia Creek waters are a direct tributary of the Potomac River, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay.

Upon completion of the transaction, Garrett expressed his appreciation to executive director Sally Price and the team at LTV. "Their efforts and hard work do not go unnoticed," he said. "Their sincerity is very refreshing and welcoming in a very complex and challenging world. We applaud their efforts and support their good works of conservation. The Garrett Companies are strong proponents of a balanced approach to development and working together with all parties to make the Commonwealth a better place to live and work."

"Andy's generosity will help the Land Trust of Virginia build its capacity to do even more land conservation in the future," remarked LTV Chairman, Chris Dematatis. "His support is deeply appreciated, as is his trust in our organization."

David S. Lionberger, Esq., a partner of the Hirschler Law Firm, added, "When Andy approached me to discuss a possible conservation donation I thought LTV was a great choice based on my work with them over many years. Their dedication to conserving lands and to maintaining a good working relationship with landowners ensure that properties are protected and that landowners have a good and informed experience conserving their properties, which facilitates future conservation that benefits all Virginians."

With the addition of the Garrett donation and resulting easement, LTV will hold 175 easements protecting a total of 19,228 acres in 15 counties across Virginia. LTV's mission, for its 27 years, is to help landowners conserve their properties through conservation easements. They hold more conservation easements than any other private land trust in the state.