Building on our foundation of excellence
March 6, 1923—October 21, 2014
Jean Packard, model conservationist, dedicated to the Trust
Few have had as positive an impact on the environment in
Northern Virginia as our deeply missed Jean Packard, who
passed away in October. Even fewer have persevered in the
fight for a responsible approach to mitigating the human
footprint on our planet for as long as Jean did.
Jean was a leader in so many environmental and public
service endeavors that it is difficult to rank them, other than
as all first class. We were so privileged to have her as our
leader for much of our existence. Under her guidance, NVCT
grew from a great idea looking for a roadmap, to a major
accredited regional land trust with more than 6,400 acres
saved, protector of 105 conservation easements, and owner
of 19 properties, all with significant “conservation value.”
What did Jean offer as a leader? A few qualities come to
mind: inspiration, commitment, stability, mentoring,
credibility, reliability, humility, and civility toward all. Jean
provided more to her fellow Northern Virginians and
Americans than might be expected in multiple lifetimes. To
hit a few hard-to-believe highlights of her accomplishments,
she assisted the war effort as a member of the Women’s
Army Corps during World War II, she was the first woman to
serve as chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and
as a director of a Soil and Water Conservation District, she
served for many years on the board of the Northern Virginia
Regional Park Authority (NOVA Parks), and she was chair of
NVCT for 15 years.
We are thrilled that NOVA Parks, with funding help from
Fairfax County, is naming a major multi-use building in
Occoquan Regional Park after Jean. A groundbreaking for
the new facility was held in late September, and was
attended by Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman
Sharon Bulova, Congressman Gerry Connolly, other
notables, and many of Jean’s friends and admirers. Jean was
there and in great spirits, and characteristically humble. She
said, “That the regional park authority thinks I deserve this
honor is really icing on the cake.”
Jean, if you’re up there listening, you deserved it!
—Richard Bliss, NVCT Founding Board Member
The Trust was designated as one of two recipients
for gifts in Jean’s memory. If you are interested in
making a contribution, please contact us.
From Patrick Coady, Chairman, NVCT Board of Directors
This is the 20th anniversary of the
founding of NVCT. During the past year,
the trust was reaccredited, embraced
an energetic new executive director,
and saw its land-saving activity soar.
NV CT’s success is intimately tied to a
special board member, Jean Packard.
The Northern Virginia Conservation
Trust has been privileged to have the
active participation of Jean Packard
since nearly the beginning of NVCT,
including 15 years as Chairperson.
Jean’s enthusiasm and support has
been steady and unflagging. In recent
years, at Jean’s request, the Land
Stewardship Committee meetings
were often held at her house because
she wanted to participate fully—and
she did.
In recognition of the special person
Jean was and the importance of her
association with NVCT, we are
establishing a special fund for “Women
in Conservation” to encourage the next
generation of Jean Packards. We will
seek to support young women who are
demonstrating the same deep passion
and commitment to preserving
Northern Virginia’s open space.
I want to thank everyone connected
with NVCT for your continued support.
We have great plans for the future and
want to create a growing army of the
willing to help us achieve our plans.
Sincerely,
Northern Virginia Conservation Trust ▪ Annual Report 2014 ▪ 3