Celebrating Two Decades of Preservation and Education: Rockfish Valley Foundation’s 20th Anniversary

As RVF marks this milestone of twenty years dedicated to preserving and educating about the natural heritage of Nelson County, we are proud to announce an initiative that honors our past achievements and our continued commitment to the community.

Introducing Jordanna Silverman

This summer, we welcomed Jordanna Silverman as our Curation Intern. Jordanna brought fresh perspectives and scholarly rigor to the important work of documenting and preserving our organizational history. Her academic background and passion for digital storytelling made her an invaluable addition to our team during this celebratory year.

Our Digital Legacy: An Online Historical Exhibit

Through oral history collection and archival research, Jordanna has created a comprehensive online exhibit, in the form of a booklet, that serves as both a celebration and a historical record. This digital exhibit illustrates Nelson County’s rich history while highlighting the ecological and cultural conservation efforts made by the Rockfish Valley Foundation over the past two decades.

The History of the Valley and Its Preservation

The exhibit invites visitors to explore the region’s history over the centuries. The comprehensive online showcase includes:

• – Early Nelson County History: Explore the region’s indigenous heritage as well as stories of the first European colonizers and settlers to the area. Learn about their lifestyles and their relationships to the land.
• – Captivating Nelson County Stories: Read unique tales that capture the character of our community from local legends to historical events that have shaped our valley’s identity.
• – The Legacy of the Foundation: See detailed documentation of the way of life on the land that led to the creation of RVF and its preservation efforts.
• – RVF’s Important Programming: Enjoy a comprehensive look at the educational programs and community partnerships that have made environmental conservation accessible and meaningful to community members of all ages.

A Vision for the Future

We extend our appreciation to Jordanna for this contribution to our institutional memory. Her dedication to capturing not just the facts of our history, but also the passion that has driven our mission provides us with a powerful foundation as we look towards the future.

This look at our twenty-year journey reinforces our commitment to the principles that guide us: to highlight and advocate for the natural, historical, ecological, and agricultural resources of the Rockfish Valley and Nelson County, enriching our community by supporting conservation, recreation, preservation, and environmental education.

As we celebrate this milestone, we are proud that the Rockfish Valley Foundation has become an integral part of advancing a conservation legacy and tradition of land stewardship that will endure for generations. The next twenty years will bring new opportunities to preserve our environment and support our community—and we are eager to see what is to come!