Jolee Farm, Part of Civil War Battlefield, Enters Conservation Easement In Middleburg

MIDDLEBURG, VA — Jolee Farm in Middleburg has been placed into a conservation easement by the Land Trust of Virginia. The 87.8 acres were donated by the owners to preserve the scenic vista and parts of the battlefield from the Civil War Battle of Aldie.

Jolee Farm is owned by Joe Keating and Tiffany Lee, who bestowed a combination of their names on the land. Three other conservation and open-space easements are also located adjacent to the farm, including one that is also owned by the Land Trust of Virginia.

Keating and Lee had visited the area many times since their childhood, they said in a news release. When they moved to the area, they were determined to preserve the qualities that drew them to Loudoun County.

"We found it important to play our part in conserving property in Loudoun County,” Keating said. "We learned about the value of conservation easements while looking for properties to purchase, and we hope to inspire other landowners to take these steps to preserve our finite natural and historical resources."

The Land Trust of Virginia said the historical nature of the land, especially the site of the Civil War Battle of Aldie, is now preserved by a No Build Area. The land trust's Deborah Whittier Fitts Battlefield Stewardship Fund also allowed for a reduction of costs related to the easement.

"This is just our first step in protecting and improving the conservation values of our property,” Lee said. "We have plans to plant a significant number of trees to increase our forest cover and we hope our friends and family will join us by planting a tree with us when they visit. These trees, planted in their honor, will create special memories over the years."

Jolee Farm is located just northwest of Aldie, with a half-mile of the land bordering the Snickersville Turnpike.

"This visibility, along with its high elevation, made the property an important conservation piece to maintain the scenic agricultural vista of the surrounding area for all to enjoy," the Land Trust of Virginia said.