
By Bob Weir
Prince William County Gainesville Supervisor
With Kim Hosen’s passing, the county has lost a voice of preservation, and I have lost a friend, confidant, and damper to my temper when warranted.
Kim was a long-time Prince William County resident and 2002 founder and executive of the Prince William Conservation Alliance.
She was more than just an expert on land use, the watershed, birds, butterflies, and dragonflies. She was a decent, kind, hardworking human being. She was humble, preferring to work her magic in the background, helping others find their own voices for environmental advocacy.
Kim leaves behind two sons to carry on her legacy of environmental stewardship.
It is impossible to fully enumerate the ways that Kim guided this county towards preservation and conservation. She never gave up on preserving Merrimac Farm and convinced Parks and Rec to plant trees and a wildflower meadow at Silver Lake after Tough Mudder’s contract was rescinded.
She met every challenge with quiet strength, particularly in the last 10 months of her life.
While her physical presence is no longer here, the legacy she leaves behind and the seeds she planted to protect Prince William, protect the rural crescent, implement smart land use policy, and promote sustainable quality community county-wide -live on in each and everyone one of us who had the privilege of knowing her.
PLN accepts letters to the editor on issues of local importance. Submit your letters to [email protected].
Recent Stories

The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!

Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Christmas in July
Volunteer Prince William will be holding a fun-filled Christmas in July event at Heritage Brewing Co on July 26th from 12pm until 6pm with all proceeds going to support the 2025 Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket Program. Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something