WASHINGTON — Sterling, Virginia-based JK Moving is putting its own money up front to help the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy preserve an important piece of the county’s land.
JK Moving, the largest independent moving company in North America, has purchased an 87-acre parcel of land in northern Loudoun County, known as Stumptown Woods, for $1 million and placed it into conservation easement.
The Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy said Stumptown Woods has more native species of plants and wildlife indigenous to Loudoun County and Virginia than is typical.
The Wildlife Conservancy will launch a fundraising campaign to eventually purchase the land from JK Moving at what it calls a lower, “conserved” property value.
JK Moving and the Kuhn Family Foundation, the moving company’s charitable arm, will donate the remaining balance.
“Stumptown Woods is a very special property that is worth saving as a natural space,” said Joe Coleman, president, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. “We weren’t able to afford to buy the land, but with the help of JK Moving and the Kuhn family, we will save and preserve this rare wetland, leaving a legacy for future generations. Having a local corporate partner that understands the value of conservation is invaluable.”
The Virginia Department of Conservation determined that Stumptown Woods is a globally rate wetland “at high risk of extinction.”
According to the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, the land near Gum Farm, which is already in conservation, has unique sink hole vernal pools and robust populations of animals that only use that specialized habitat such as wood frogs, spotted salamanders, fairy shrimp and Jefferson Salamanders.
It is also a stronghold for marbled salamanders, only found in two Loudoun locations.
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy plans to create a small set of walking trails for restricted and guided public access.
JK Moving also recently launched the JK Community Farm, planned on land JK Moving founder Chuck Kuhn purchased in Purcellville, Virginia.
The small farm is donating the produce, and beef, pork and venison, to hunger relief nonprofits in Loudoun County.