Land Savers October 2024

Conservancy and the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, that protect over 11,000 acres of mountain bike and walking trails at Carvins Cove—the largest city-owned park this side of the Rocky Mountains. Oh, and you may have heard of a place called Mill Mountain. Yeah, he was the guy poring over deeds, surveys and maps to help the City of Roanoke protect iconic “Mill Hill,” too. Bill is a long-serving former member of the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy board and a past president, too. If you ask me, if anybody defines the spirit of the Vic Thomas Award for Environmental Stewardship, it’s Bill Hackworth. Then there’s Helen Burnett. If one thing defined George Kegley, it’s that he never told you no when asked to help. He checked his calendar to see when he was available. And that’s Helen, a former board member and current volunteer. Does Kacie Shifflett need to someone to accompany her into the wilds of Craig County to monitor a conserved property? Call Helen.

We need volunteers to staff a table at the Earth Day celebration? Call Helen. Raffle ticket sales? Helen. Setting up tables and chairs? Helen. Silent auction items? Helen. Serve on a committee? Helen. The spirit of George is strong with this one. And I’m happy she’s this year’s recipient of the George Kegley Award for Volunteerism. Come join us at the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy’s Conservation Celebration on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at Braeloch in Roanoke County. You’ll get to see the local conservation community honor Bill and Helen, and you’ll also enjoy a gourmet dinner, drinks, live music and special guest speaker, author and conservationist Jay Leutze. Y’all come!

And thank you, Helen and Bill.

David Perry Executive Director

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