WHEREAS, in 1966, the General Assembly established the Virginia Outdoors Foundation to preserve open-space lands and encourage voluntary gifts of land and other resources to protect the Commonwealth’s natural, scenic, historic, scientific, open-space, and recreational areas; and

WHEREAS, for 60 years, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation has advanced Virginia’s tradition of voluntary conservation by working with landowners, communities, and public and private partners to protect nearly one million acres, including prime farmlands, forestlands, waterways, historic landscapes, and open spaces that define the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Article XI of the Constitution of Virginia affirms the Commonwealth’s commitment to conserving its natural resources and public lands so that its people may enjoy clean air, pure water, and access to adequate public lands, waters, and other natural resources for recreation; and

WHEREAS, through voluntary land conservation and enduring public-private partnerships, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation has helped establish the Commonwealth as a national leader in protecting its natural and cultural heritage, while managing more than 3,500 acres of open-space reserves, including House Mountain Reserve and Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve, and contributing to the establishment and expansion of treasured public lands, including Sky Meadows, Leesylvania, and Belle Isle State Parks; and

WHEREAS, 97 percent of Virginians live within 10 miles of land conserved by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, reflecting the profound reach of its work and the importance of conserved open space to the quality of life, economic vitality, health, and well-being of communities throughout the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia remains committed to carrying this legacy forward by supporting voluntary conservation and ensuring that Virginia’s natural and cultural resources endure for the use, enjoyment, and benefit of present and future generations;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize September 15, 2026, as the 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VIRGINIA OUTDOORS FOUNDATION in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.