Seven Pines battlefield project in Henrico earns $271k in state funding

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced recently that the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation is awarding $14.4 million in funding to conserve 11,220 acres throughout Virginia. The 28 funded projects – including one in Henrico – include plans for new parks, conservation easements to protect working timberland and farmland, and land acquisitions by Virginia’s Tribal Nations for fiscal year 2025.

“We take pride in sharing the rich beauty of Virginia’s natural resources and historical places and remain committed to increasing public access so more Virginians can enjoy them,” said Youngkin. He emphasized the role these parks, open spaces, and recreational areas play in tourism, economic growth, and providing residents with opportunities to connect with nature.

Henrico County will receive $271,750 from the VLCF to support the Capital Region Land Conservancy's Seven Pines at Broad Water Creek project. The project aims to conserve a 24-acre forest that contains predicted habitat for a rare plant species and is located within the core battlefield area of the Battle of Seven Pines. After recording the conservation easement with the Board of Historic Resources, CRLC will transfer the property to the Richmond Battlefields Association for public park ownership and operation.

“These projects selected for VLCF grant funding will help protect ecologically important habitats around the Commonwealth that support rare plant species as well as a variety of wildlife,” said Director of the Department of Conservation and Recreation Matthew Wells.

The VLCF board, which selects the projects for funding, is appointed by the governor, the Senate, and the House of Delegates.

“By making significant investments that not only protect natural resources, but also our historic resources, we are able to ensure that Virginians can benefit from visiting these special places,” said Virginia Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Travis Voyles.