Locals Seek To Save River Farm, Originally Washington's Land

FORT HUNT, VA — Legislators and local residents are pushing to preserve River Farm as a community-accessible landmark after the American Horticultural Society announced it is putting the historic property up for sale.

River Farm, once land that was part of George Washington's five farms, has been the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society since 1973. When the property was last up for sale in 1971, the Soviet Embassy looked to buy it as a retreat for staff.

In reaction to that potential sale, American Horticultural Society board member Enid Annenberg Haupt made a contribution to secure the 27 acres of River Farm. The purchase was made under the agreement that the American Horticultural Society would keep River Farm open for the public.

But a Sept. 5 statement from the society hinted at the option of selling the property. The American Horticultral Society stated that it was experiencing financial challenges "greatly magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic." Because of that, the society was considering options to help it continue running in the long term, including selling River Farm and merging with the American Public Gardens Association. Money from the River Farm sale and other society assets would go toward the continuation of the society merged with the American Public Gardens Association.

"It is important to the AHS board that, should River Farm be sold, the buyer would be one who respects the surrounding neighborhoods as well as the conservation and historical value of the property," read the statement.

The announcement of River Farm being listed came earlier this month. Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck said his office has received numerous concerns and questions from the public since then.

Katherine Tobin, an American Horticultural Society member, wrote to the Alexandria Times in opposition to River Farm's sale due to value it has provided the public.

"Living nearby, I’ve observed that thousands of others relish time there for never-to-be forgotten weddings, a fun car show, summer camp and school field trips for kids to learn about nature and a host of delightful social events under the stars and overlooking the river," Tobin wrote. "Surely George Washington, who cherished this land, would wish for the public to continue to benefit from this glorious site."

Storck said state, regional and local leaders have connected with the society in an attempt to find a solution to ensure River Farm remains a community-accessible asset and not "lost to a private developer." Petitions are being circulated by state Sen. Scott Surovell as well as state Sen. Adam Ebbin and Del. Paul Krizek.