Vic Thomas Environmental Stewardship Award
The A. Victor Thomas Environmental Stewardship Award, given annually by the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy, recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the preservation of the natural heritage of western Virginia. The award’s namesake, the late conservationist Vic Thomas, was a Roanoke native and a 30-year member of the House of Delegates. Among his achievements during his tenure in the General Assembly were the passage of a bill enabling the state to purchase the 8,500 acre Big Survey tract in Wythe County (championed by BRLC), as well as successfully spearheading the effort to include a hunting and fishing rights amendment in the state constitution.
The Vic Thomas Award is presented annually at BRLC’s fall Conservation Celebration benefit. A special committee of Land Trust board members and volunteers selects the recipient. For more information on the award or to submit a nomination, call the Land Trust at (540) 985-0000 or email.
The Vic Thomas Award is presented annually at BRLC’s fall Conservation Celebration benefit. A special committee of Land Trust board members and volunteers selects the recipient. For more information on the award or to submit a nomination, call the Land Trust at (540) 985-0000 or email.
2006 to 2023 Recipients
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2023 Recipient: Diana Christopulos
Diana Christopulos is a past Board President of the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy and has served on the Board and various committees for more than a decade. Diana co-founded the Roanoke Valley Cool Cities Coalition and is active in the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Diana will be recognized at this year's Celebration with the Vic Thomas Award. |
2022 Recipient: Ron Crawford
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2020 Recipient: Governor Gerald Baliles and Robin Baliles
This year’s Vic Thomas Award recipient is the late Gov. Gerald Baliles and wife Robin. As you may know, Gov. Baliles was a native of southwest Virginia, hailing from the town of Stuart in Patrick County, and the last governor from the western half of the state. He was a champion of Virginia’s environment while in office. As governor, he worked with the General Assembly to create Virginia’s Natural Resources Secretariat. As described in the Richmond Times-Dispatch last October by former Secretaries of Natural Resources, Democrat John W. Daniel II, and Lynchburg native and Republican L. Preston Bryant, Jr., “In the new secretariat, Baliles established a powerful political office that signaled to all Virginians that water and air quality mattered, that the Chesapeake Bay deserved the attention of government, that Virginia’s state parks warranted emphasis and expansion, and that our marine resources could be a calling card for recreation and economic expansion. Most importantly, Baliles signaled that both economic development and natural resources protection benefit when harmonized.” In the fall of 2019, shortly before his death, Gov. and Mrs. Baliles forever protected two beautiful family properties in Patrick County with the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy. We were honored and humbled to help the Baliles family conserve these places they love. 
2018 Recipient: Peter Lewis Peter Lewis was presented with the "Vic Thomas Award" on September 9, 2018 in recognition of his significant contributions to the preservation of the natural heritage of Western Virginia. Through his founding and leadership of Apple Ridge Farm, Lewis has impacted what is just as important as the rolling hills and forests: children who value the outdoors. |
2021 Recipient: Mill Mountain Garden Club
On June 29, 1927, 21 friends came together to form the Mill Mountain Garden Club. The Mill Mountain Wildflower Garden has been a Roanoke staple since fall of 1971. It took 4 years and a lot of hard work to be completed in 1975. Fast forward to 2018 when the garden club put a plan in place to restore and improve the garden so visitors could enjoy it for many years to come. The restoration included creating a more inviting entrance, accessible trails, a restored pond, and expanding native pollinator plants. In addition to the Wildflower Garden, members are active in environmental and conservation issues locally, statewide, and nationally. 
2019 Recipient: Broaddus Fitzpatrick On September 22, the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy presented Mr. Broaddus Fitzpatrick with its highest award, the A. Victor Thomas Environmental Stewardship Award. Given annually by the land conservancy, this award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the preservation of the natural heritage of western Virginia. Through his decades of volunteerism with the FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian Service Project, the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy, Habitat for Humanity, and more, Mr. Fitzpatrick has exemplified what it means to conserve Western Virginia's natural heritage. 
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2017 Recipients: Dr. Bill Gordge and the Wednesday Crew
The "Vic Thomas Award" was presented to Dr. Bill Gordge and the Wednesday Crew in September 2017. This group of men and women were honored for their hundreds of volunteer hours working in several different counties, ensuring that the public would be able to enjoy outdoor recreation. These retired, yet tireless, volunteers spend every Wednesday hand-building trails or maintaining them for the benefit of our communities. |
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2016 Recipient: Janet Scheid
On October 9th 2016, we presented Janet Scheid with the A. Victor Thomas Environmental Stewardship Award. Janet was a founding board member of the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy (then the Western Virginia Land Trust). She spearheaded efforts to conserve part of Cahas Mountain as it was up for auction in Franklin County. Janet also served as board President when BRLC became accredited by the Land Trust Alliance. The "Vic Thomas Award" is the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy’s highest and recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the preservation of the natural heritage of western Virginia. |
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Betty Field
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2015 Recipients: Betty and Liza Field
Always close to nature, Roanoke’s Betty Field worked tirelessly to prevent Mill Mountain from being developed. She has stood before the Roanoke City Council numerous times to defend the 568 acres as a park before it was forever protected by a conservation agreement co-held by the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy. Liza Field is a writer, secondary school and college instructor, and a regular columnist for Roanoke Times. Liza is credited with spearheading the movement to save Big Surrey, a 7,500-acre mountainous area in Wytheville County which contain’s the town’s source of drinking water. The area is now protected forever as a state wildlife management area. Liza’s stewardship of Big Survey brought many people together including the late Vic Thomas, a 30 year member of the House of Delegates and Roanoke native, who helped achieve passage of a bill enabling the state to purchase the Big Survey tract. |
Liza Field
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2014 Recipient: Liz Belcher
For 18 years, Liz Belcher has shepherded planning and construction of the popular riverside walk through Salem, Roanoke City and County and Vinton—eventually to be 21miles from Green Hill Park down to the Blue Ridge Parkway crossing. Walkers, runners, bikers, skateboarders and parents with strollers enjoy the walk -in fair weather and foul- every day. Visitors and local people see it as a leading treasure for the valley.
Belcher was a strong choice for the coordinator post, said Lucy Ellett, president of the former Valley Beautiful, who helped select her for the job. She’s “smart, modest and she never toots her own horn.” Belcher “gets along with everybody and her work on greenways with the four local governments was one of the first times they got together.” A hard worker all week, she’s often out with a chain saw in a trail crew on Saturday.
Belcher pleasantly adds, “I could not do it alone…It’s not I but we. There are tons of credit to give.” She points to the support of Greenways, a group of 50 or more working volunteers, and trail crews led by Dr. Bill Gordge.
For 18 years, Liz Belcher has shepherded planning and construction of the popular riverside walk through Salem, Roanoke City and County and Vinton—eventually to be 21miles from Green Hill Park down to the Blue Ridge Parkway crossing. Walkers, runners, bikers, skateboarders and parents with strollers enjoy the walk -in fair weather and foul- every day. Visitors and local people see it as a leading treasure for the valley.
Belcher was a strong choice for the coordinator post, said Lucy Ellett, president of the former Valley Beautiful, who helped select her for the job. She’s “smart, modest and she never toots her own horn.” Belcher “gets along with everybody and her work on greenways with the four local governments was one of the first times they got together.” A hard worker all week, she’s often out with a chain saw in a trail crew on Saturday.
Belcher pleasantly adds, “I could not do it alone…It’s not I but we. There are tons of credit to give.” She points to the support of Greenways, a group of 50 or more working volunteers, and trail crews led by Dr. Bill Gordge.
2013 Recipient: Lucy M. Ellett
If you want to save land, be sure Lucy Ellett is on your side.In recognition of her years of work, Ellet, a founder and a leader in Roanoke Valley environmental organizations, received the A. Victor Thomas Stewardship Award on September 22, 2013.
Lucy Ellet has worked in the trenches, helping organize the Western Virginia Land Trust, now the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy, as well as the Roanoke Valley Greenways system and Valley Beautiful. She recalls conversations with builder Jay Turner of Turner Long Construction over concerns for the future of the Virginia Tech farm in the Catawba Valley. The need for a conservation easement to protect that land led to the formation of the Land Trust. Ellet said she “loves the way the organization has developed, a balanced group,” with real estate and development people serving along conservationists.
If you want to save land, be sure Lucy Ellett is on your side.In recognition of her years of work, Ellet, a founder and a leader in Roanoke Valley environmental organizations, received the A. Victor Thomas Stewardship Award on September 22, 2013.
Lucy Ellet has worked in the trenches, helping organize the Western Virginia Land Trust, now the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy, as well as the Roanoke Valley Greenways system and Valley Beautiful. She recalls conversations with builder Jay Turner of Turner Long Construction over concerns for the future of the Virginia Tech farm in the Catawba Valley. The need for a conservation easement to protect that land led to the formation of the Land Trust. Ellet said she “loves the way the organization has developed, a balanced group,” with real estate and development people serving along conservationists.
2012 Recipient: Barbara Lemon
Barbara’s interest in protecting the land began with her understanding of Christian stewardship back when she was a religion major at Randolph-Macon (now Randolph) Woman’s College. As she taught Sunday School, she often pondered the questions, “Who owns the world?” and “What is mankind’s role in relation to the physical world?”
Seeing the need to save land, Barbara helped form the Western Virginia Land Trust back in 1996 and led it as chairwoman until 2004. She can now look back on a 16-year legacy of laying the groundwork for an organization designed specifically to save the mountains, hills, valleys and streams throughout Southwest Virginia. Placing an easement on the 9,000-acre Big Survey in Wythe County was the major achievement in Barbara’s service as chairwoman. Also, she led in the initial establishment of a two-man staff and permanent land trust office space.
Over 45 years ago, Barbara and her lawyer husband, Bill Lemon, bought a Botetourt County farm on Craig Creek, land that Bill’s family had owned before the Civil War. There they practice organic farming, raising certified, grass-fed Red Angus and Black Angus beef cattle.
Barbara’s interest in protecting the land began with her understanding of Christian stewardship back when she was a religion major at Randolph-Macon (now Randolph) Woman’s College. As she taught Sunday School, she often pondered the questions, “Who owns the world?” and “What is mankind’s role in relation to the physical world?”
Seeing the need to save land, Barbara helped form the Western Virginia Land Trust back in 1996 and led it as chairwoman until 2004. She can now look back on a 16-year legacy of laying the groundwork for an organization designed specifically to save the mountains, hills, valleys and streams throughout Southwest Virginia. Placing an easement on the 9,000-acre Big Survey in Wythe County was the major achievement in Barbara’s service as chairwoman. Also, she led in the initial establishment of a two-man staff and permanent land trust office space.
Over 45 years ago, Barbara and her lawyer husband, Bill Lemon, bought a Botetourt County farm on Craig Creek, land that Bill’s family had owned before the Civil War. There they practice organic farming, raising certified, grass-fed Red Angus and Black Angus beef cattle.
2011 Recipients: George and Louise Kegley, Roanoke, VA
BRLC Trustee George Kegley and his wife Louise are two of the Roanoke Valley’s most beloved citizens. In 2007, they donated a landmark conservation easement on their 116-acre Roanoke City farm to the Virginia Outdoors Foundation and the Virginia Board of Historic Resources. The easement on the farm, which is situated between the Ole Monterey and Blue Hills golf courses in northeast Roanoke, was the first conservation easement within Roanoke City limits. The land is part of a 2,000-acre tract owned by Col. William Fleming, the surgeon, military officer, and community leader who was acting governor for a short period in June of 1781. The historic Monterey home is located on the property. Built around 1845 by Yelverton Oliver, postmaster of Big Lick, the home is a unique example of southern Greek Revival architecture.
BRLC Trustee George Kegley and his wife Louise are two of the Roanoke Valley’s most beloved citizens. In 2007, they donated a landmark conservation easement on their 116-acre Roanoke City farm to the Virginia Outdoors Foundation and the Virginia Board of Historic Resources. The easement on the farm, which is situated between the Ole Monterey and Blue Hills golf courses in northeast Roanoke, was the first conservation easement within Roanoke City limits. The land is part of a 2,000-acre tract owned by Col. William Fleming, the surgeon, military officer, and community leader who was acting governor for a short period in June of 1781. The historic Monterey home is located on the property. Built around 1845 by Yelverton Oliver, postmaster of Big Lick, the home is a unique example of southern Greek Revival architecture.
2010 Recipient: Dr. M. Rupert Cutler, Roanoke, VA
Dr. Cutler was the first executive director of the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy, holding the job from 1997-1999. He was also recently a member of the board of trustees of the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, the board of the Western Virginia Water Authority, and the Roanoke City Council. He also served as executive director of Explore Park from 1991-1997. A Detroit native, he previously served in the Carter administration and also worked for such organizations as the Wilderness Society, the National Audubon Society, and Defenders of Wildlife. Rupert has left his mark on conservation in the region most notably at the City of Roanoke’s two marquee parks: Mill Mountain and Carvins Cove. A tireless advocate of permanent protection of both parks, his dreams came to fruition over the past two years as the Roanoke City Council placed conservation easements on both parks.
Dr. Cutler was the first executive director of the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy, holding the job from 1997-1999. He was also recently a member of the board of trustees of the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, the board of the Western Virginia Water Authority, and the Roanoke City Council. He also served as executive director of Explore Park from 1991-1997. A Detroit native, he previously served in the Carter administration and also worked for such organizations as the Wilderness Society, the National Audubon Society, and Defenders of Wildlife. Rupert has left his mark on conservation in the region most notably at the City of Roanoke’s two marquee parks: Mill Mountain and Carvins Cove. A tireless advocate of permanent protection of both parks, his dreams came to fruition over the past two years as the Roanoke City Council placed conservation easements on both parks.
2009 Recipient: Governor Tim Kaine
As Virginia’s 70th governor, Tim Kaine made open space preservation a centerpiece of his term in office. In 2006, Gov. Kaine announced an initiative to protect an additional 400,000 acres of land by the year 2010: With every passing day, land is becoming more expensive and scarce. I will set up and meet this preservation goal during my term, not just because it’s the right thing to do. I will do it because, if I don’t, the opportunity to do it will not be there for future governors and future Virginians. Since 1968, Virginia has preserved 330,000 acres of land. Most of that has been preserved in the past five years. The goal of my administration is for the state to preserve an additional 400,000 acres by the end of the decade. Thanks to local land trusts like BRLC and our state partners like the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, Gov. Kaine is on target to meet this goal.
As Virginia’s 70th governor, Tim Kaine made open space preservation a centerpiece of his term in office. In 2006, Gov. Kaine announced an initiative to protect an additional 400,000 acres of land by the year 2010: With every passing day, land is becoming more expensive and scarce. I will set up and meet this preservation goal during my term, not just because it’s the right thing to do. I will do it because, if I don’t, the opportunity to do it will not be there for future governors and future Virginians. Since 1968, Virginia has preserved 330,000 acres of land. Most of that has been preserved in the past five years. The goal of my administration is for the state to preserve an additional 400,000 acres by the end of the decade. Thanks to local land trusts like BRLC and our state partners like the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, Gov. Kaine is on target to meet this goal.
2008 Recipient: City of Roanoke, VA
The City of Roanoke placed 6,185 acres of the Carvins Cove Natural Reserve under a protective conservation easement in April of 2008, making it the largest single tract of land ever placed under easement in the history of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The easement was the culmination of more than 10 years of work by Land Trust board members, staff, and the community to conserve what is America’s second-largest city park and the major source of drinking water for the Roanoke Valley. Roanoke also has a long history of conservation leadership, including its recent “Clean and Green” program to beautify the city, use of bio-diesel in city vehicles, an outstanding parks and greenway system, curbside recycling, and a commemorative tree program.
The City of Roanoke placed 6,185 acres of the Carvins Cove Natural Reserve under a protective conservation easement in April of 2008, making it the largest single tract of land ever placed under easement in the history of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The easement was the culmination of more than 10 years of work by Land Trust board members, staff, and the community to conserve what is America’s second-largest city park and the major source of drinking water for the Roanoke Valley. Roanoke also has a long history of conservation leadership, including its recent “Clean and Green” program to beautify the city, use of bio-diesel in city vehicles, an outstanding parks and greenway system, curbside recycling, and a commemorative tree program.
2007 Recipients: Lanier and Thecla Frantz, New Castle, VA
Lanier Frantz is a Craig County outdoorsman and the first landowner to donate a conservation easement in Southwest Virginia. Lanier and Thecla’s 1,162-acre property is also one of the largest pieces of land under easement in Southwest Virginia. The Frantz’s farm was the first west of the Blue Ridge to embrace the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and property owners’ cooperative program designed to manage deer for quality wildlife. In addition to making wildlife habitat improvements, Lanier and Thecla have opened their farm to training sessions on deer management. In 2006, Lanier received a Forestry Award from the Mountain Castles Soil and Water Conservation District for managing his farm for forestry, wildlife and agriculture for more than 45 years. In 1986, he was selected for the Soaring Hall of Fame.
Lanier Frantz is a Craig County outdoorsman and the first landowner to donate a conservation easement in Southwest Virginia. Lanier and Thecla’s 1,162-acre property is also one of the largest pieces of land under easement in Southwest Virginia. The Frantz’s farm was the first west of the Blue Ridge to embrace the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and property owners’ cooperative program designed to manage deer for quality wildlife. In addition to making wildlife habitat improvements, Lanier and Thecla have opened their farm to training sessions on deer management. In 2006, Lanier received a Forestry Award from the Mountain Castles Soil and Water Conservation District for managing his farm for forestry, wildlife and agriculture for more than 45 years. In 1986, he was selected for the Soaring Hall of Fame.
2006 Recipient: Madison E. Marye, Elliston, VA
Former State Senator Madison E. Marye and his wife Charlotte protected their 562-acre family farm on the Elliston Straightaway with a conservation easement in 2004 with assistance from BRLC. “You should put your deed where your mouth is,” said Marye of his conservation easement, which allows construction of a few homes on the property but otherwise permanently prohibits development of the rolling pastures and woodlands. “I hope I’ve set an example.” Marye served 21 years as an Army officer and 29 years in the Virginia General Assembly. While in the General Assembly, Marye was a strong supporter of property rights, and helped to revamp Virginia’s eminent domain laws.
Former State Senator Madison E. Marye and his wife Charlotte protected their 562-acre family farm on the Elliston Straightaway with a conservation easement in 2004 with assistance from BRLC. “You should put your deed where your mouth is,” said Marye of his conservation easement, which allows construction of a few homes on the property but otherwise permanently prohibits development of the rolling pastures and woodlands. “I hope I’ve set an example.” Marye served 21 years as an Army officer and 29 years in the Virginia General Assembly. While in the General Assembly, Marye was a strong supporter of property rights, and helped to revamp Virginia’s eminent domain laws.
