Virginia Governor Voices Support For Protecting River Farm

FORT HUNT, VA — Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has joined local residents and officials in calling on the American Horticultural Society to protect River Farm.

AHS put River Farm up for sale in November after local residents received word in September it would consider the sale of the property. River Farm is the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society and was once the northernmost of George Washington's five farms. In the present day, the grounds of River Farm provide a free community attraction and a setting for weddings, events and gardening.

Northam wrote to the AHS board on Nov. 20 saying he was disappointed that River Farm may be sold for profit and potentially eliminating public access. He urged the board to commit to keeping River Farm as a publicly-accessible property and not sell it to the highest bidder. He suggested that AHS sell it to a public entity for a "fair and reasonable price."

"It is important that we preserve the legacy of George Washington by protecting this landmark that exemplifies Virginia's vibrant history and rich natural environments," said Northam in the letter to the board.

Northam's letter follows the creation of the Save River Farm initiative. Led by the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, the initiative has a committee made up of local stakeholders as well as partnering organizations and officials. Donations are being sought to largely support land acquisition.

River Farm, located at 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, is a 27-acre property listed on the market for $32.9 million. It was last on the market before the American Horticultural Society acquired it in 1973. At the time, AHS board member and philanthropist Enid Annenberg Haupt provided funds to help AHS purchase it, under an agreement that it would keep River Farm open for the public.

AHS had been considering a merger with the American Public Gardens Association and sale of River Farm as options to keep AHS going during difficult financial circumstances. On Oct. 20, AHS released a statement saying its board has committed to maintaining AHS as an independent national nonprofit with its own board, staff and headquarters instead of merging with the American Public Gardens Association. But that means AHS is moving forward with the sale of River Farm.

"In order to move forward with this renewed vision, we are dependent on the proceeds from the sale of River Farm," reads the AHS statement. "These funds would create a significant endowment that has been the missing link in our financial viability. Our hope is to find a buyer – a new steward – for River Farm who will work to preserve this beautiful and historic property."

The grounds of River Farm have been closed to the general public since Nov. 9 due to rising coronavirus numbers.