HISTORY of LEOPOLD'S PRESERVE

The concept behind Leopold's Preserve originated from the sale and subsequent purchase of the South Market property - a 500-acre tract of land quietly nestled in the Rural Crescent of Prince William County which was planned and approved for industrial and commercial uses. Developer Scott C. Plein carved out a portion of the property for a clustered residential community (the Villages of Piedmont), then protected the balance of the land for conservation and public enjoyment. It is an award-winning model for preservation-oriented land planning and exemplifies White House Farm Foundation's commitment to the environment and ecological systems, particularly as it pertains to finding a balance between human habitat needs and preserving our natural habitats.

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Leopold's Preserve is named in honor of Aldo Leopold, a key figure in America's early 20th century conservation movement. He is considered the father of wildlife management, and his "land ethic" provides a framework for establishing a caring relationship between people and nature.

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The land that makes up Leopold’s Preserve has a rich history, spanning from the prehistoric period up to modern day. Archeologic and historic research have revealed unique information about the people who traversed, settled, lived and died here. To read the full history of Leopold’s Preserve and the surrounding area, click here.