Conservation Alliance seeks to beautify, preserve Prince William

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The Prince William Conservation Alliance is a non-profit group that was formed in 2003 by the community, in an effort to preserve some of the natural beauty in the county.

“We are working to preserve and enhance natural resources through stewardship, recreation and education,” said Kim Hosen, director of the organization.

The group hosts talks, directs projects and makes effort to influence public policy to increase the county’s conservation efforts, said Hosen.

They are funded through private project grants, and operate on an annual budget of $100,000.

The group works on several county projects

Among the group’s many projects, one of the most notable is their purchase and preservation of Merrimac Farm – a 300-acre property in Nokesville.

“We successfully formed a partnership with the Marine Corps Base Quantico, and the U.S. Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and together we raised $3 million and purchased the property to be conserved and open for public use,” said Hosen.

Additionally, the Prince William Conservation Alliance is currently working on beautifying an area near Minnieville Road, that needed a little TLC after nearby road expansion.

“We have on-the-ground tree planting projects…we are restoring a 200 by 35 foot wide bunker between Prince William K-9 Gunner Dog Park and a dry pond…the area was woods before Minnieville [Road] was widened. What we’re doing is replanting it with native plants,” Hosen commented.

According to Hosen, one thing that makes the alliance unique is their staff.

“We are unique here in Prince William. We do have paid staff – which is a huge asset and a difference – because it allows us to carry on projects over time,” said Hosen.

Conservation has an impact on the community

For Hosen, the health and beauty of the environment has a direct impact on the quality of life for county residents.

“A healthy environment is a big part of a healthy community. And we all benefit from protecting our resources – through lowered taxes, and lower infrastructure needs, more attractive communities,” stated Hosen.

Residents can get involved with the organization by donating money, or volunteering to help with projects.

This article is part of a Potomac Local series of posts to highlight area non-profits.