As part of its pledge to protect land in perpetuity, the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy is preparing the next generation to appreciate the environment and natural resources and become good future stewards of the land. The conservancy also runs weekend programs to bring the public onto conserved lands and share its conservation successes with the community.

The “Bay and River Days” program invites area fourth-grade students once a year to a property protected by a conservation easement to learn about water quality and watersheds, and how their actions at the headwaters of a local river can impact water quality and the livelihoods of people downstream.

The “Outdoor Adventure Series,” which runs from May to October each year, includes hikes to local scenic mountaintops protected by the conservancy, as well as craft programs and educational classes.