We treasure our forests, parks, country roads and open space in Loudoun. The preservation of this land is a direct reflection of the communal effort to maintain a sustainable Loudoun. With scores of Loudoun farms, gardens and rural businesses, there is no shortage of green initiatives year-round. Read about how these attractions have implemented sustainable efforts into day to day production, then plan your visit.
FARMS & U-PICKS
Great Country Farms
Agritourism pioneer Bob Zurschmeide started selling vegetables out of a truck in western Loudoun in the 1980s. Today, his descendants oversee 300-acre Great Country Farms (GCF) and its winery, brewery and cidery spin-offs. “At GCF we practice full circle farming,” farmer Andrew Taylor, Bob’s grandson, said. “ Acres of fruit and veg provide a nutrient-rich orchard floor for the sheep, cows and chickens – and fresh produce for customers. Visitors can “pick-your-own” or buy from our farm market while leftovers are then used for composting or feeding pigs to complete the circle.” Agritourism and education are a big component of GCF, with thousands of tourists, students and campers visiting the farm each year. Join them!
Long Stone Farm
Casey and Justin Wisch’s grass-based, pesticide-free livestock operation produces beef, pork, lamb, chicken and eggs for local markets and restaurants. “We focus on natural grazing, letting the animals do the work,” Casey said. On top of operating two farm stores in Loudoun, the CSA program supports production of Loudoun’s farmland. For a reasonable monthly rate, you can save on farm-made products. Stock up on one or more bulk package options; Meat (Beef, Chicken and Pork) and your choice of Cider/Wine. Read more about the program on their website. From May-October, join the farm for “Sunday Suppers,” which includes farm tours followed by a meat-centric, four-course dinner prepared by a Loudoun guest chef. “It’s a true farm-to-fork experience,” Casey said. “If I can get my kids to develop a passion for farming and why eating meat and looking after the land is worthwhile, I will be proud.”
Georges Mill Farm
Sam and Molly Kroiz produce artisanal farmstead cheeses from Alpine dairy goats they raise on land that’s been in Sam’s family since the 1750s. The couple practice “regenerative farming” that includes returning pasture to forest and bramble for better browsing. “It’s higher in minerals and protein and the shade in summer means the goats are less stressed and produce more milk,” Molly said. Gallons of whey from the dairy feed their small herd of heritage breed hogs, producing delicious-tasting bacon. Visit their farm store in Lovettsville to pick up meat, eggs, veggies, milk and of course those cheeses.
Legacy Farms
Legacy Farms is the non-profit extension to Temple Hall Farm Regional Park in Lucketts. The organization leads a garden-based work and entrepreneurial mentorship program for neurodivergent individuals, 16 and up. “It's really an experience where you will learn, but also have your senses engaged,” said Zayd Anwarzai who has apprenticed in the gardens for two years. Through the program, apprentices to grow, cut and arrange flowers on the farm as well as lead guided tours through the gardens.
BREWERIES & WINERIES
Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery
John and Bonnie Branding, owners of this farm brewery outside Waterford, take “local” to new levels with what they call “Land Beer." Brewing with ancient German techniques, they produce perfectly balanced, beautifully packaged ales, lagers, IPAs and stouts. Like an estate winery, Wheatland is considered an estate brewery where 100 percent of the farming operations are dedicated to growing ingredients for the beer. To keep with the sustainability efforts, the owners also repurposed historic buildings for their production facility, tasting room and event space. Oftentimes grains that are spent on Wheatland’s grounds are reused for feeding livestock at neighboring farms.
Sunset Hills Vineyard
Once a working Amish farm, award-winning Sunset Hills Vineyard north of Purcellville adopted sustainable winemaking practices long before it was fashionable. Adopting the motto “Turning Sunshine into Wine”, the original owners installed 245 solar panels to power the winemaking facility, which itself was created out of a repurposed barn. Other green innovations include Tesla charging stations in the parking lot and, as an active partner of the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, the winery has Certified Wildlife Habitats on property for native bluebird trails. Taste sunshine in a glass.
GARDEN PRESERVATION
National Botanic Garden
On the edge of Dulles Airport in southeast Loudoun, the privately owned National Botanic Garden features 1,000 acres of verdant grounds blooming with daffodils and bluebells, Everglades-style wetlands, a vast sculpture park (the pieces made entirely from recycled materials by Beata Knop), several freshwater lakes and the largest-varietal bamboo forest in the US, shoots from which feed the pandas and elephants in the National Zoo. It is exclusively open between 40 and 50 days a year.
Abernethy & Spencer Greenhouse & Garden Center
Hillary Pennington, alongside her husband Jacob, sought to renovate a 100-year old greenhouse in Purcellville and a year later succeeded in the rebirth of Abernethy & Spencer Greenhouse and Garden Center. The center had its grand opening in March presenting 13 perennial houses, eight greenhouses, acres of flower gardens, a garden store, a conservatory gift shop and a coffee truck named Lolas, an on-site cockatoo. The other bird species found on the property are macaw parrots.
SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL
Washington Dulles International Airport
The ever-growing Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) will soon gaze down on an extraordinary sight: hundreds of acres of glistening solar panels. In efforts to power part of the airport facilities using solar power, IAD plans are to install 200,000 panels. Not only will this assist in generating 100 megawatts of energy, but also power more than 37,000 homes in the region. This allows Loudoun, and neighboring counties, to shift away from fossil fuels towards more sustainable energy.
Metro & Bike
Getting around Loudoun is convenient and sustainable with the Metro and Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park (W&OD). Travel by two wheels along the W&OD to many Loudoun attractions including One Loudoun in Ashburn, historic Leesburg, craft breweries and more. The paved trail runs 45 miles from Arlington all the way to Purcellville; stop at local wineries and breweries to refresh.
