Award by Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley spotlights conservation leaders
NEW MARKET, June 17—Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley (Alliance) is accepting nominations for the 6th annual Valley Treasure award. This honors community members who demonstrate outstanding dedication to preserving our region’s natural resources, cultural heritage, and rural character. The Alliance celebrates outstanding individuals whose exceptional service and impactful contributions make a lasting difference.
“People and communities are at the foundation of our work, whether we’re working with partners to restore a stream bank or meeting with community members to hear what they value most. We can’t do this work alone. We love to recognize the community members who are quietly doing their part to contribute to local conservation efforts and help sustain our rural landscapes, clean streams, and thriving communities,” said Maya Alexander, the Alliance’s Director of Community Engagement.
Community members are invited to nominate someone they know is making a difference. Anyone living in the Shenandoah Valley may be nominated, including landowners, community leaders, community members, natural resource professionals, and more.
Last year’s Valley Treasure was awarded to Dee Dee Sellers and Tim Murray for two decades of tireless work preserving the agricultural heritage of Mauzy, a historic and scenic community in Rockingham County. Their leadership over the past 20 years mobilized their community to ensure the agricultural landscape of Mauzy, a small community, retains its rich history and scenic beauty. Furthermore, Sellers and Murry spearheaded the creation of a massive 1,800-acre Ag-Forestal district—the first of its kind in Rockingham County in 25 years—uniting local landowners in a voluntary conservation pact.
Alongside the 2025 Valley Treasures, the Alliance celebrated its 2025 North Star, Juanita Burtner, a founding member of the Harrisonburg Farmers Market, a dedicated artist, and avid flower gardener. She was affectionately known as “the flower lady” for her homegrown bouquets, and she worked tirelessly to defend our rural landscape through the Community Alliance for Preservation (CAP), one of the Alliance’s legacy organizations. Her life is a beautiful testament to the power of simple, everyday kindness.
Nominations for the 2026 Valley Treasure must be received by July 24. All nominations will be reviewed by a small committee made up of Alliance staff and board members. The winner(s) will be recognized at a ceremony to be held in early fall and will receive a $500 cash stipend, thanks to the sponsorship of a generous longtime donor.
The nomination form and more information can be found at
shenandoahalliance.org/valley_treasure/.
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