Loudoun County Government: Virginia Association Of Counties Recognizes Loudoun For Model Program

Press release from the Loudoun County Government:

August 9, 2021

A Loudoun County program that assists landowners with best management practices for natural resource conservation has been recognized for excellence and innovation by the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo). The Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) - Loudoun Master Gardeners Site Assessment Program has earned a 2021 Achievement Award from VACo. Through the program, Master Gardener volunteers assess ponds, landscapes and land bordering streams that, through the years, have grown shady or stagnant and may threaten natural resource conservation during a weather event. The volunteers document the issues through photos and samples of pond weeds and water, and also survey the surrounding landscape. Property owners then receive a detailed report, including options that can help them better maintain their landscape, such as methods for erosion and sediment control. This contributes to the improved health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed as eroding land and stream banks are a major source of harmful excess sediment that flows to the Chesapeake Bay. “Our department is honored to receive this significant award recognizing the innovative work of our staff and the Master Gardener volunteers,” said Loudoun County Department of Extension Services Director Stuart Vermaak. “This important program directly impacts the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed while simultaneously serving the residents of Loudoun County.” The site assessment program is free to Loudoun County residents, property owners and property managers. More information about the program, including a link to an online form to request a site assessment, is available online from the Loudoun County Master Gardeners. More information about VCE-Loudoun can be found at loudoun.gov/extension. The Loudoun County program was one of 30 recipients of the 2021 Achievement Awards for which VACo received 102 submissions. More information about the awards program is available at vaco.org. The Loudoun County government has a number of award-winning programs and services. Find out more at loudoun.gov/awards. # # # Stay Informed! Sign up to receive news and updates.
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This press release was produced by the Loudoun County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.