Community Report – May 8th

You make our work possible – Donate today!

Home Page | Newsletter Sign-up

Press Release: Prince William Conservation Alliance Launches “3Rs Framework” to Shape Smarter Growth Across the County

Woodbridge, VA – 5/21/2025 — As rapid sprawl development continues to transform Prince William County, local nonprofit Prince William Conservation Alliance (PWCA) is launching an exciting new initiative designed to guide the county’s growth in fiscally responsible ways that protect natural resources, enhance community character, support a thriving economy.

The 3Rs of Reaching Our Potential—Reimagine, Reinvest, Redevelop is a strategic framework to help residents and decision-makers envision a smarter, more sustainable path forward for growth and development.

“People are tired of watching woodlands disappear, traffic get worse, and underused commercial areas being neglected,” said Ashley Studholme, Executive Director of PWCA. “The 3Rs gives our community a hopeful, achievable alternative, one that improves quality of life while protecting what makes Prince William special.” >>read full press release

Kim Hosen Memorial Hike

Saturday, May 24 | 10AM

VOF’s Preserve at Bull Run Mountains

For more information and to register, click here

Kim Hosen, founder of the Prince William Conservation Alliance, often reminded us that Prince William County encompasses a unique landscape and critical environmental resources that serve as a foundation for quality of life for wildlife and residents alike. It’s an environmental thread of life that connects the eastern to western ends of this great county. “It’s the only locality in the Chesapeake that spans tidal wetland to a mountain at Bull Run,” she would often say with pride in her eyes. In her memory, join us on May 24th for a hike in the woods at VOF’s Preserve at Bull Run Mountains and explore the beauty of this land that she held so dear.

Sonnie Cuffey III from the NAACP, along with Joe Villari and John Lenox from the Virginia Outdoor Foundation, will lead us through a journey of the headwaters of the Occoquan Reservoir, uncovering stories of history and ecology that make this place and Prince William County so extraordinary.

Action Alert: Proposed Broad Run bridge expansion threatens Chapman-Beverley Mill

A new proposal from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) would replace and significantly widen the I-66 bridge at Broad Run directly in front of the historic Chapman-Beverley Mill. This unnecessary expansion would seriously risk the Mill and the surrounding Broad Run-Little Georgetown Rural Historic District.

We need your help to protect this historic site.

Public Hearing:

When: Thursday, May 29, 5–7 p.m. (Rain date: June 5)

Where: Marshall Community Center, 4133-A Rectortown Road, Marshall, VA

What you can do: Attend the hearing and/or submit written comments by June 9 (details below).

Why This Matters

Chapman-Beverley Mill is one of Virginia’s most important industrial landmarks standing since 1742 as a rare and significant reminder of our region’s early history. The current VDOT plan to fully replace the I-66 bridge and widen it by 60 feet, which would bring construction and future traffic dangerously close to this fragile stone structure, potentially causing irreversible damage.

• The bridge’s new foundations could require blasting or heavy excavation, risking structural integrity.
• Traffic vibrations from the widened bridge would edge closer to the mill.
• The expansion paves the way for future highway widening, threatening not only the Mill but the entire scenic and historic corridor through Thoroughfare Gap.

VDOT has not adequately addressed the long-term risks to the Mill and has issued a “No Adverse Effect” determination, which many including the Virginia Department of Historic Resources have challenged.

We must push for a more responsible solution: repair the existing bridge within its current footprint, as originally planned.

How You Can Help

Speak at the Public Hearing – Show your support in person on May 29. Marshall Community Center, 4133-A Rectortown Road, Marshall, VA

Submit Written Comments by June 9 – Share your views:

• Email: [email protected]
• Subject line: Interstate 66 Bridge Over Broad Run Comment
• Or print and mail this comment form to the address listed. You can also drop it off at the hearing.

Tell VDOT:

• The historic Chapman-Beverley Mill must be protected.
• The full bridge replacement and widening are unnecessary and damaging.
• Alternatives that preserve the mill and historic district must be pursued.

Thoroughfare Gap is more than a highway corridor; it’s a landscape of history, nature, and community (rewatch our previous program on the Thoroughfare community).

Help ensure this treasured place remains intact for generations to come.

Sustainability Commission Begins Discussion on Data Center Proffers

Volunteer Opportunities

If you’re looking to make an impact in your community, learn more about nature, or just try something new, now’s the perfect time! We’ve got a lot of great volunteer opportunities up for grabs. Just respond to this email with your interest, fill out our volunteer form here, or call us!

🌱

Merrimac Farm WMA – Garden Lead

You might already know that during the growing season, we manage the wildlife garden at Merriamc Farm WMA. But did you know that we’re looking for people with gardening know-how to lead our group of dedicated volunteers? Even if it’s only 1x or 2x during the growing season, your help and leadership would be helpful. email [email protected]

🌱

Merrimac Farm WMA – Garden Guardian

Are you passionate about the great outdoors? Do you have a soft spot for wildlife and want to make a meaningful impact on their habitat? If so, we invite you to be a part of our dedicated team of volunteers at Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area’s enchanting wildlife garden!

Each year we manage the wildlife garden for creatures great and small so they can find nesting sites, food, and places to rest and hide among a wealth of Virginia’s native plants. We’re looking for volunteers who would like to join us most Saturdays around 9 am to noonish. That way you really get to know the garden and the people that care for it – the garden flourishes because of this connection and partnership.

Questions? Contact us: [email protected] or (703) 490-5200

Fill out the volunteer form below if you’re interested in any of the following opportunities.