The Unison Preservation Society, represented here by founder Paul Hodge, was the recipient of the Loudoun Preservation Society's 2012 "Preservation of the Year Award" at their annual awards reception.

The Unison Preservation Society has accomplished the incredible feat of protecting 8000 acres of privately owned lands in southwest Loudoun County from future development, recognizing the areas importance in what is known as the 1862 Battle of Unison.

One of Loudoun County's most significant awards ceremonies is also one of its most understated. Many of Loudoun's residents are aware of the Loudoun Chamber's annual "Valor Awards" and "Small Business Awards". The Town of Leesburg's popular "Business Awards" have grown dramatically in recent years. But there is one group laboring away quietly, patiently, behind the scenes to try and preserve what is left of the once bucolic Loudoun County.

Led by President Lori Kimball, the Loudoun Preservation Society fosters the protection of Loudoun's history and heritage, through both philosophy and cold, hard cash. Philosophically, with Loudoun's Joint Architectural Review Board, the Loudoun Preservation Society recognized 10 families and organizations this year for their efforts in preservation.

Knowing that preservation efforts require cash in addition to highly dedicated individuals, the Loudoun Preservation Society also made six grants to organizations highly vested in the protection and conservation of Loudoun's legacies.

The Loudoun Preservation Society is one of Loudoun's treasures, doing a great work in which all citizens benefit. If you would like to know more and/or become a member please visit http://preserveloudoun.org.

Please celebrate their successes and encourage their future efforts via this short article. All but one of the award and grant recipients are shown below.