Citizens for Fauquier County Honors Ann Mudge Backer with 2024 Kitty P. Smith Award

WARRENTON, VA — Citizens for Fauquier County on Sunday celebrated its 2024 Kitty P. Smith Award recipient, Ann Mudge Backer, at Hopefield, the historic home of Hope Porter, who founded the organization in 1968.

The award is given annually to honor outstanding conservationists who have contributed throughout their lifetime to preserving Fauquier’s rural landscape, historical resources, and agricultural economy. Backer was joined at the event by local officials, fellow conservationists, and her many friends.

Photos courtesy of Sophie Langenberg.

Backer, of Smitten Farm in The Plains, has worn many hats throughout her life: ardent conservationist, lawyer, as well as renowned breeder of thoroughbred racehorses.

After graduating from New York Law School, Ann worked as a public defender at Legal Aid in Manhattan. As president of the William M. Backer Foundation, she has directed resources from the foundation to Citizens for Fauquier County, the Piedmont Environmental Council, the Bull Run Mountain Conservancy, Goose Creek Association, the Clifton Institute, the Orange County Hunt Conservation Foundation, and other area conservation groups.

In 2023, Backer received the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association Breeder of the Year Award for Giganti, bred in Fauquier County. Giganti was sold as a yearling at the 2021 Keenland September sale and went on to win the Secretariat Stakes at Colonial Downs and three other prestigious races. He was the 2023 Virginia Bred Horse of the Year. Also in 2023, Backer received the Virginia Thoroughbred Co-Breeder of the Year award with Berryville’s Audley Farm.

Left: Photo courtesy of Sophie Langenberg. Right: Photo by Heidi Baumstark.
Photos by Heidi Baumstark.

“Ann has dedicated most of her life to the preservation of Fauquier’s landscape and legacy through her work and the generosity of the William M. Backer Foundation, named for her husband,” CFFC President Kevin Ramundo said. “She has the respect and admiration of so many who have joined her over the years in preserving this special place where we are blessed to live.”

The award is named for Smith, who for more than 20 years set the standard for land conservation advocacy. She served as a board member of the Citizens for Fauquier County and the Goose Creek Association. She was also a staff member of the Piedmont Environmental Council and a hands-on participant with numerous civic organizations.

Previous recipients of the award include Kitty Smith, George Thompson, Jocelyn Sladen, Georgia Herbert, Hope Porter, Bob Lee, Ken Smith, John Schied, and Harry Atherton.

Featured image by Heidi Baumstark.

Posted on: November 12, 2024

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