Member Highlight: Prince William Conservation Alliance
Pat Calvert, the Coalition's Virginia State Lead, interviews Ashley Studholme, the Executive Director of the Prince William Conservation Alliance in Woodbridge, Virginia. An edited version of their conversation follows.
Tell us a little about your organization.
The Prince William Conservation Alliance (PWCA) is located in Woodbridge, VA, and serves Prince William County. PWCA is a watershed organization that works to establish desirable, equitable, sustainable communities; promotes environmental stewardship; and creates opportunities for residents to engage in decisions that affect the quality of their lives and the future of their communities. We identify and pursue conservation opportunities and work with local communities, regional organizations, and agencies to protect important natural areas. Our stewardship programs create opportunities for individuals to learn more about wildlife and engage in positive activities that improve the quality of local natural areas and communities.
What is one of your current projects that you are the most excited about?
Through a unique partnership with the US Military, Department of Wildlife Resources, and Wetland Studies Inc., we are spearheading a stream restoration initiative at Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area. This comprehensive endeavor involves restoring the hydrology and ecology of Cedar Run and its riparian area. While conservation is key to protecting what we have, restoration helps us support and strengthen what we've protected. I'm excited about this project because it showcases the importance of partnership and how we will only successfully address our current environmental challenges by working together.
What issue area do you hope to focus on in the future? How is it relevant for clean water restoration?
Communities across Virginia are under siege by the sprawl of data centers. Prince William County is no different. For more than two years, we have advocated for proper siting of data centers—one proposal at a time. This includes the Prince William Digital Gateway, which if approved would be the largest data center campus in the world sprawled on rural land. Sited between Manassas National Battlefield Park and Conway Robinson State Forest and within the Occoquan Reservoir Watershed, this area is a vital water source for 800,000 Northern Virginia residents. The watershed is already a highly urbanized area and necessitates continuous efforts to protect water quality entering streams.
What do you gain from being a member of the Choose Clean Water Coalition?
The Coalition is instrumental in elevating local issues to the state level. While we will continue to advocate for smart land use and challenge hasty proposals, we will support state-level reform to ensure lasting change. Together along with a growing number of civic groups and conservation organizations, we are making a difference.
