New River Land Trust

The New River Land Trust works to conserve farmland, forests, open spaces, and historic places in the New River region of Southwest Virginia. Since 2002, we have helped protect over 58,000 acres of land in the region and 27 miles of New River frontage.

We work with landowners to conserve or restore their land, and with partners on larger conservation projects such as the Brush Mountain Park Project. The park project has, so far, conserved 847 acres of mature, intact forest.

Brush Mountain Park 

Brush Mountain ParBrush Mountain Park - click map to enlargek is 634 acres with nearly 16 miles of multi-use trails across 3 properties. In addition to the trails and recreation opportunities, the forested park provides habitat for wildlife and will preserve views of Brush Mountain while forever protecting the land.

2026 Funding Priority - New Trail Construction and Maintenance

Our fundraising this year will go toward building one new trail on Stonecutter's Hollow (Property 2), and 3 new trails on Millstone Ridge (Property 3). Your donations will also support work on maintenance-intensive trails like Blunderbuss and Wavelength in Brush Mountain Park. 

Background

In 2018, the New River Land Trust received a $1.2 million grant award from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation’s Forest CORE Fund. The grant allowed us to purchase the first two properties totaling 552 acres. The Land Trust transferred 141 acres from Property 1 to the Forest Service to add to the National Forest.

In 2021, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation awarded a $210,000 grant to the Town of Blacksburg that helped NRLT purchase and protect a third property of 205 acres. 72 additional acres were transferred to the Forest Service.

In 2023, the Land Trust purchased a 20-acre property to be added to Property 2 (now Stonecutter’s Hollow) with help from community donations raised during Give Local NRV that year!

McDonald Hollow and Stonecutter’s Hollow have been transferred to the Town of Blacksburg with conservation easements in place. The Town will provide the long-term stewardship in the form of viewshed protection, preservation of ecological diversity, and recreational opportunities. 

Park Properties

The first of three properties, McDonald Hollow is 190 acres with 6 miles of multi-use trails.Stonecutter's Hollow currently has almost 6 miles of trails and is 239 acres. One additional trail is planned.Millstone Ridge currently has 3.8 miles of trails and is 205 acres. 3 more trails are planned.