It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Asa Moore Janney House in Purcellville, VA gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Purcellville, VA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always Best Care Loudoun has such a caring, flexible, kind team. Each of the”
“I am a past client of this provider We worked with Always Best Care Loudoun for”
“Chris has been fantastic managing and coordinating part-time care for my mothers husband and elevating”
“I am a past client of this provider Chris was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful in guiding”
“I am a current client of this provider The Aids are like family. Chris and his”
“I am a current client of this provider Chris and his staff have been excellent. Their”
“I will highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services . It is the Best company”
“For the last months of our Dad’s life, Carmen was a blessing! She didn’t”
“Chris was a godsend in my search for senior caregivers for my parents. I was”
“Compassionate, responsive, professional. We highly recommend!”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services. They provide excellent assistance for every”
“Clients have expressed sincere appreciation for getting a call from their phone volunteer. When you”
“Chris and his crew can help your family in so many ways. Keep Always Best”
“Having a sick and failing family member is very difficult, but Chris Kondracki has been”
“Always Best Care (ABC) provided care for my mother for the last 8 months and”
“Very supportive of families taking care of loved ones.”
“Chris Kondracki is extremely knowledgeable and truly cares about his clients. He is passionate about”
“"Always Best Care" is more than the company's name -- it is its promise. Chris”
“"Always Best Care" is more than just the name of the company -- it's the”
“If you or a loved one has an aging family member that may need a”
“I work for the company and I can say that Aleays Best Care really cares”
“I work with Always Best Care and I honestly enjoy working with them. They care”
“I am very much satisfied and happy with all the services provided by Always Best”
“I am a past client of this provider Chris was a godsend in my search for”
“Always Best Care Loudoun has such a caring, flexible, kind team. Each of the caregivers we worked with went above and beyond. They did their jobs effectively and efficiently, but they were also so thoughtful, compassionate, funny and proactive in offering help. Susanna also offered exceptional help from the home office and gave me insights and advice I didn't even know I needed. It's hard to know who you can trust in taking care of your loved one, and I highly recommend Always Best Care Loudoun to do the job expertly.”
“I am a past client of this provider We worked with Always Best Care Loudoun for more than a year to take care of my 90-year-old mother with advancing dementia. I highly recommend their services for how flexible, kind, proactive and supportive they were. At first, we had someone come about 3 - 4 days a week for 5 hours/day. As my mom had more physical issues and falls, Always Best Care was very easy to work with in getting additional support, which ultimately ended up being 24/7 for several months. They provided companionship, advocacy, support and care at every step of the way. I'm a single parent so having someone who could be there when I couldn't toward the end of my mom's life was invaluable. My mom loved all of her caregivers and told them so daily. They laughed with her and shared life stories, took her to events, drove her to doctor's appointments, did laundry, prepared meals, and so much more. On more than one occasion, they would call me to let me know something had changed or that my mom needed a doctor or something else urgent, that I would not have known otherwise. They were truly a godsend when I needed it most. I really can't say enough good things about Always Best Care Loudoun.”
“Chris has been fantastic managing and coordinating part-time care for my mothers husband and elevating care to 24/7 on a short notice (emergency). He has put my mom and the both families at ease and very comfortable with the process. Incredible patient service and family support. Would recommend you meet with Chris to customize the appropriate care for your loved one. Absolute professional in his field.”
“I am a past client of this provider Chris was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful in guiding me through the process of caring for my parents and providing me with resources matched to my needs”
“I am a current client of this provider The Aids are like family. Chris and his team are always there to help my Mom. They take her places, help with meals, laundry and keeping Mom safe and happy!”
“I am a current client of this provider Chris and his staff have been excellent. Their attention to details is exceptional. My Mom's caregiver was excellent and provided daily care with passion. My only regret is not calling sooner for care.”
“I will highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services . It is the Best company I have ever worked for. Mr Chris the owner is a very nice person. He cares for his caregivers and most especially for his clients.”
“For the last months of our Dad’s life, Carmen was a blessing! She didn’t support just our Dad but the whole family. She was a fabulous caregiver though she was so much more, she was our Dad’s friend who he look forward to seeing each and every day. If you find you need support for your loved one, you could not ask for a better person than Carmen. We are so grateful to Carmen and Always Best Care for supporting our Dad.”
“Chris was a godsend in my search for senior caregivers for my parents. I was tired of searching and trying new caregivers from different firms every few weeks, but to no avail. My parents were also a bit hesitant about getting care from unfamiliar people. Fortunately, I found Always Best Care's website on the internet. I called them, ready to be disappointed again. But, I was never let down by Chris and his team. They were very understanding and offered the most suitable caregivers for my parents' care. Without their help, I would still be stuck in the painful process of finding caregivers and being disappointed. I would recommend Always Best Care to everyone.”
“Compassionate, responsive, professional. We highly recommend!”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services. They provide excellent assistance for every in-home care need and have provided support for us in the past which has been exceptional. Much appreciated!”
“Clients have expressed sincere appreciation for getting a call from their phone volunteer. When you are told that “your telephone volunteer makes their day” or “you can hear your loved one laughing with joy in speaking with their telephone volunteer”, you know that another successful contact has occurred. Thank you for offering the Telephone Reassurance Service as it is truly making a difference in the lives of Seniors.”
“Chris and his crew can help your family in so many ways. Keep Always Best Care in mind to help with mom and dad.”
“Having a sick and failing family member is very difficult, but Chris Kondracki has been terribly helpful and supportive to my family. He has provided guidance, suggestions, and even a wheelchair to help my mother get around while we navigate the complexities of a rapidly progressing illness. I so appreciate his help!”
“Always Best Care (ABC) provided care for my mother for the last 8 months and I’m extremely happy with the service ABC provided. Their caregivers are reliable and compassionate. For the service provided hands down they are the most favorable and valued service out there. In my humble opinion, the best affordable/valued quality adult care in the area. Thank you ABC.”
“Very supportive of families taking care of loved ones.”
“Chris Kondracki is extremely knowledgeable and truly cares about his clients. He is passionate about providing the best care possible. As a financial advisor, I consider Chris and Always Best Care Loudoun a great "tool in my toolbox" when working with my older clients and mention their services as something for my clients to know about should the need arise.”
“"Always Best Care" is more than the company's name -- it is its promise. Chris is a kind and caring person whose focus is always on helping others. He will give your loved ones the same care and consideration that he would give his own. Truly a treasure.”
“"Always Best Care" is more than just the name of the company -- it's the company's promise. Chris, the owner, is a kind and caring person whose focus is always on helping others. He will give your loved ones the same care and consideration that he would give to his own.”
“If you or a loved one has an aging family member that may need a little extra help around the house, or perhaps you want to develop a plan for the future, Chris from Always Best Care is the guy to call. He can help you plan for whatever your family needs, whether that's help aging in their existing home or transitioning to someplace with full time assistance, he can help you figure out what is best for your family.”
“I work for the company and I can say that Aleays Best Care really cares about their clients and so do the caregivers”
“I work with Always Best Care and I honestly enjoy working with them. They care about the caregiver and their clients; especially my boss, Chris.”
“I am very much satisfied and happy with all the services provided by Always Best Care. Their caregivers are genuinely concerned about the health of seniors. They are reliable, honest, and always on time.”
“I am a past client of this provider Chris was a godsend in my search for senior caregivers for my parents. I was tired of searching and trying new caregivers from different firms every few weeks, but to no avail. My parents were also a bit hesitant about getting care from unfamiliar people. Fortunately, I found Always Best Care's website on the internet. I called them, ready to be disappointed again. But, I was never let down by Chris and his team. They were very understanding and offered the most suitable caregivers for my parents' care. Without their help, I would still be stuck in the painful process of finding caregivers and being disappointed. I would recommend Always Best Care to everyone. -Jamie Neal”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Chapman DeMary Trail in Purcellville, VA with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local BIA Kitchen or visit Purcellville, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Purcellville, VA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Purcellville, VA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Purcellville, VA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Woodgrove Basketball (2025-26) Schedule2025-26Overall10-110.476 Win PctRegion4-22nd CatoctinHome4-5Away6-4Neutral0-2PF1242PA1168Streak2L* Region** Playoffs*** TournamentDate/TimeOpponentResultWatchGame Info12/57:45pmvsLoudoun ValleyL 55-52Watch ReplayBox Score12/87:15pmvsStone BridgeL 71-70 (2OT)Watch ReplayBox Score...
2025-26
Overall10-110.476 Win Pct
Region4-22nd Catoctin
Home4-5Away6-4Neutral0-2
PF1242PA1168Streak2L
* Region** Playoffs*** Tournament
| Date/Time | Opponent | Result | Watch | Game Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/57:45pm | vsLoudoun Valley | L 55-52 | Watch Replay | Box Score |
| 12/87:15pm | vsStone Bridge | L 71-70 (2OT) | Watch Replay | Box Score |
| 12/107:15pm | vsJustice | W 56-49 | Watch Replay | Box Score |
| 12/117:15pm | @Freedom | L 57-52 | Watch Replay | Box Score |
| 12/131:00pm | vsWakefield | L 66-47 | Watch Replay | Box Score |
| 12/197:30pm | @J.R. Tucker | W 71-53 | Watch Replay | Box Score |
| 1/67:15pm | @Briar Woods | W 66-62 | Watch Replay | Box Score |
| 1/97:15pm | @Lightridge | W 66-63 (OT) | Watch Replay | Box Score |
| 1/167:30pm | @Loudoun Valley | L 45-43 | Watch Replay | Box Score |
| 1/175:00pm | vsGeorge C. Marshall | L 58-39 | Watch Replay | Box Score |
| 1/217:15pm | @Rock Ridge | W 64-59 (3OT) | Watch Replay | Box Score |
| 1/237:15pm | @Tuscarora | L 57-42 | Watch Replay | Box Score |
| 1/314:30pm | vsHeritage | L 55-49 | Watch Replay | Box Score |
| 2/27:15pm | @Loudoun County* | W 66-46 | Watch Replay | Box Score |
| 2/47:15pm | vsPark View* | W 69-38 | Watch Replay | Box Score |
| 2/67:15pm | @Broad Run* | L 69-56 | Watch Replay | Box Score |
| 2/97:15pm | vsDominion | W 76-40 | Watch Replay | Box Score |
| 2/107:15pm | vsLoudoun County* | W 64-40 | Watch Replay | Box Score |
| 2/137:15pm | @Park View* | W 87-51 | Watch Replay | Box Score |
| 2/177:15pm | vsBroad Run* | L 73-55 | Watch Replay | Box Score |
| 2/207:30pm | vsLoudoun County** | L 61-52 | Watch Replay | Box Score |
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PURCELLVILLE, Va. (7News) — For more than a century, Abernethy and Spencer Greenhouse and Garden Center in Purcellville, Virginia, has delighted green thumbs with native plants, plants that allow Northern Virginia gardens to transform into thriving ecosystems. Co-owner Jim Knowles told 7News On Your Side that native plants attract everything you want in a garden.“More birds, more caterpillars, more butterflies, more cool things to look at, and it really connects you to nature," said Knowles.But owners Jim and A...
PURCELLVILLE, Va. (7News) — For more than a century, Abernethy and Spencer Greenhouse and Garden Center in Purcellville, Virginia, has delighted green thumbs with native plants, plants that allow Northern Virginia gardens to transform into thriving ecosystems. Co-owner Jim Knowles told 7News On Your Side that native plants attract everything you want in a garden.
“More birds, more caterpillars, more butterflies, more cool things to look at, and it really connects you to nature," said Knowles.
But owners Jim and Autumn Knowles faced a unique problem during this summer’s heat wave. They didn’t have enough water to keep alive 1,000 valuable native trees and shrubs left behind by the previous owner. So, they reached out to Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy Executive Director Tom Kercheval.
“We’re just blown away by what we saw," said Kercheval.
Kercheval added, "It’s a feel-good story of everybody just really going out of their way to help each other and to help the natural world that we live in."
Kercheval, realizing that Loudoun County is lined with homeowners’ associations in desperate need of healthy, native plants, contacted Mike Littman.
“So, Tom Kercheval gave me a call and said you are not going to believe this," said Littman.
Mike Littman runs LIRA, a nonprofit that educates the region about the harms of invasive species.
“We have lost 30 percent of our birds in the last 50 years in North America, 40 percent of bugs in large part because they’ve lost their habitat and their food source, which is the native plants," remarked Littman.
The men arranged for all that greenery to be stored and cared for with the goal of planting them in early fall.
Littman added, “The real game here is public awareness. That’s what we are trying to do is educate people on why native plants are so important.”
The numbers, in terms of invasive species impacts, are startling. According to state officials, invasive species, which include non-native plants and certain insects, cause an estimated billion dollars a year in ecological and economic damage in Virginia every year.
Knowles added, “And that’s the best part. You plant a few shrubs in the backyard that are native species for this area the animals will show up almost instantaneously.”
Some two months after Abernethy and Spencer donated 1,000 plants, volunteers are spending October putting them in the ground throughout Loudoun County.
At a location in Leesburg along the W&OD Trail, volunteers with Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy planted a number of elderberry bushes.
“This is habitat restoration we are doing. So, this is a native plant meadow. It’s full of butterflies, bees, native pollinators," said Brian Magurn.
At a second location, volunteers planted elm trees along a wooded area belonging to the Ashburn Village homeowners association.
“We do nothing but native Virginia trees and shrubs. It’s turning into a natural wooded area," Project Manager Mike Miller said.
Littman adding, “This is a turning point. This is so exciting to see these plants go in the ground and it’s really going to start to change the community we live in.”
At a third and final location on Willowsford Conservancy land in Aldie, members of their team were planting pine behind a subdivision.
Planters told 7News that, in short order, this massive, lone donation of native plants will transform Loudoun County’s landscape, healing a world that so many species need to thrive.
“Especially in this area where we’ve been losing a lot of those natural spaces to development, it’s really important to maintain what we have and restore it back to what it wants to be," Sam Adams said.
The issue of invasive species is such a big problem that starting Jan. 1 here in Virginia, the state will require nurseries to put warning signs on invasive plant species.
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