The Edge Fund allows us to purchase land or receive land donations on behalf of the park. To date, we have donated more than 1,300 acres of land with a value of over $3.5 million to protect the park’s boundaries.
We work with private land holders to protect environmentally sensitive areas along Shenandoah’s borders, preserving these lands to provide unimpaired habitats for myriad flora and fauna and promoting species resilience in the face of rising temperatures and encroachment. These funds allow us to reach and educate bordering landowners about land donation as an option for perpetual stewardship, cover costs of accepting donated land, and purchase property from park neighbors who are interested in seeing their land preserved by the park for future generations.
On the Border
Actions at the park’s boundary can have serious repercussions inside the park. From light pollution affecting night skies to new land ownership limiting trail access and new development encroaching on forest habitat and viewscapes, the park depends on its neighbors for protection along its borders.
If you own land that touches the park, there are many different ways in which we can work together to protect your land. Whether you want to maintain ownership, sell, or donate your land, we can help you explore all of your options for permanently protecting the scenic and ecological values of your property.
The Edge Fund can be used for projects related to the protection, expansion, and access to the park’s boundary.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Purchasing land
- Costs and fees to owners or the National Park Service (NPS) related to land donations
- Surveys and ESA’s
- Land preparation for NPS acquisition (e.g., structure removal)
- Education related to park boundary/border protection
- Research of sensitive and critical areas on the boundary for ecological protection
- Research of boundary access issues
- Future critical boundary issues
The Good Neighbors Program
In response to the recent increase of attention around land management, invasive species, and development across Virginia, we developed the Good Neighbors Program. Through this initiative, we hope to address our community’s need for collaboration and shared knowledge concerning land stewardship along the borders of Shenandoah National Park.
Elizabeth Mizell
Good Neighbors Program Manager
Beth brings extensive experience navigating the complexities of land management. Before joining our team, she worked as a Land Steward with The Nature Conservancy for 14 years, started a small native plant consulting business, and served as the Executive Director for Blue Ridge PRISM.
Success Stories
Tanners Ridge
“The Shenandoah National Park Trust is proud of the strong collaborations that have led to this momentous addition to the park,” said Jessica Cocciolone, the Trust’s Executive Director. “These partnerships have ensured that this majestic property will be preserved and protected for generations to come.”
Hungry Horse Lane
For Keith Cain, donating land meant more than preserving habitat – it was also a way to turn a memory into a legacy. “My father really loved Shenandoah National Park, as do I,” he said. “I’m doing it, but it’s about him.” Keith’s donation is a unique blend of a Planned, Memorial, and Land gift, representing a significant commitment to protecting, enhancing, and preserving Shenandoah for this and future generations. “Land is forever,” he concluded. “This was a permanent way for me to leave an on-going gift.”
