Supporting Innovative Approaches
To Stewardship

The Blue Ridge Center is a nonprofit educational organization that stewards a 893-acre historic landscape. Our land and programs bring to life the ancient relationship between land and people in Virginia's Northern Blue Ridge.

The Blue Ridge Center develops, demonstrates and supports innovative approaches to stewardship. We invite people and partners to study, restore, interpret and experience our land's environment and history.

The Blue Ridge Center was founded as a project of the Robert and Dee Leggett Foundation and became an independent nonprofit organization in 2004. The Leggett Foundation purchased Mountain View farm in 1999 to serve as a home for the Blue Ridge Center and to preserve the land's history, allow people to experience its natural beauty, and protect the Appalachian Trail viewshed. The Blue Ridge Center provides 10 miles of walking paths to wander. Few public spaces so close to the big city offer such deep woods to enjoy the sounds of birdsong and to spend a few precious hours away from the bustle of everyday life.

An important part of the Blue Ridge Center's mission is exploring the ways in which economics and conservation can go hand in hand. We work to demonstrate how conservation land can be kept active for economic uses like farming, as well as public uses like recreation and education.  Here farming, environmental stewardship, and community are woven together. More than 200 acres of land is actively farmed and pastured by resident and partner farmers--providing fresh local food and, in the process, stewarding the land.

Schools, youth groups and education organizations are encouraged to schedule trail and farm outings in advance by calling 540-668-7640. Everyone is welcome to hike our trails, visit our farm, and attend our educational events. Visit our online calendar for event details and volunteer projects.

Your tax-deductible contributions help keep the Blue Ridge Center open to the public.