Kuhns donate 128-acre property to NOVA Parks

NOVA Parks and philanthropists Chuck and Stacy Kuhn conducted a deed-signing event on June 28 at Springdale, a 128-acre property the Kuhns have donated to the inter-regional parks agency.

Springdale Regional Park is near Point of Rocks off Rt. 15 and the Potomac River. Part of the property is comprised of 150 acres that was previously acquired by NOVA Parks from Robert and Kristin Santone in 2015. The park will now be comprised of a total of 278 acres, with the Kuhns’ 128-acre donation.

To date the Kuhns have put more than 22,000 acres in conservation easement. “We are living in one of the best counties in the world,” said Kuhn.

The purchase of the property, which overlooks the Potomac River in Loudoun County, was possible through the Kuhns’ donation of half the value of the land ($900,000) and an equal grant from the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.

The LWCF is a federal program that provides 50 percent matching funds to state agencies and localities for the acquisition and development of outdoor recreation resources.

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation deemed the property eligible for this federal grant because it met the criteria of the Virginia Outdoors Plan goals for land conservation.

The VOP aims to protect undeveloped land and waterways that provide essential benefits to society, such as clean air, clean water, food, fiber, open space for recreation, and a sense of place. The VOP prioritizes land along major rivers, like the Potomac.

The purchase saves the property from residential development and offers the opportunity to enhance the natural habitat and to offer future families to visit the park, experience nature, and learn about its rich history.

NOVA Parks will be working on improving and restoring the natural systems, such as stream restoration and some reforestation. Budgeting and permitting for the creation of amenities needed to open the park to the public will take a few years.

The property was once an important area for Native Americans, who fished along the nearby Heater’s Island.