Our Mission: Develop, demonstrate and educate about innovative approaches to environmental stewardship by inviting people and partners to study, restore, interpret and experience our land's environment and history

The Blue Ridge Center is a nonprofit organization that manages nearly 900 acres featuring hiking trails through deep woods, babbling streams, a working farm, wildflower meadows, and historic farmsteads. Located in the western region of Virginia's Loudoun county, we are a key member of the community – our land protects Potomac River tributaries and the Chesapeake Bay watershed, preserves the Appalachian Trail viewshed, and conserves the natural habitat for hundreds of animal species. Few public spaces so close to the big city offer such deep woods to enjoy the sounds of birdsong and to spend a few precious hours away from the bustle of everyday life. We invite people and partners to study, restore, interpret and experience the environment and our land's history.

Your tax-deductible help keep the Blue Ridge Center open to the public.

The Blue Ridge Center was founded as a project of the Robert and Dee Leggett Foundation and became an independent nonprofit organization in 2004. The Leggett Foundation purchased Mountain View farm in 1999 to serve as a home for the Blue Ridge Center and to preserve the land's history and allow visitors to experience its natural beauty.

Individuals, families, corporations, school groups, camps, and scout troops are all welcome at the Blue Ridge Center. Hike our ten miles of trails, visit our organic farm, and attend our educational events. Here farming, environmental stewardship, and community are woven together. Visit our online calendar for event details and volunteer projects.

We're pleased to see how much has been accomplished at the Blue Ridge Center since it was founded. Here are just a few of our most notable accomplishments. Become one of our Friends and help provide the support needed to continue expanding this list!

Recreation & environmental education

• Established ten miles of hiking trails
• Built an Education Center and nearby campground
• Hosted university researchers and students
• Served as a training site for search and rescue teams
• Established an educational birding trail

Land management

• Established a conservation easement 
• Stopped illegal poaching and dumping
• Restored soil fertility at the onsite farm

Wildlife conservation

• Mapped ecological communities and identified wildlife species
• Protected wildlife habitats in onsite power line corridors
• Identified rare and threatened animals onsite

History & archaeology

• Restored the historic farmstead and springhouse
• Identified 33 sites of archaeological interest
• Built a collection of artifacts