It’s Sophie’s Choice to Help Save the Land
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ophie Langenberg, 28, grew up in Fauquier County, attended Highland School and graduated early from Fauquier High. She started riding when she was “very little” and got her first pony for Christmas at age nine. “It’s one of my favorite childhood memories,” she recalled. While at the University of Virginia, she played polo and earned a biology degree. She often attended Twilight Polo at Great Meadow and was thrilled to continue playing and have a chance to learn more about the game. Better yet, that’s how she met her husband, Sebastian Langenberg. “I will always be grateful to the sport that introduced me to Sebastian,” she noted. Sophie moved to Middleburg with her family in 2010 and “I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.” Since last August, she been the communications and educations manager for the Land Trust of Virginia (LTV). Growing up in the area, she was well acquainted with LTV and its important conservation work. Her goal is to “maximize opportunities to educate the wider public about conservation easements and promote us as the leading private land trust in Virginia. “I love running into friends and neighbors every day when I check our mail or go into the coffee shop. But we also have access to amazing art, music, food, events and more. There’s something for everyone, even if you don’t love horses. But as someone who does, it’s all the better. Middleburg can feel as small town or big city as you want to make it.” Sophie and Sebastian have just two polo ponies now. They’re hoping one will be reserved for their bouncing baby boy, 17-month-old Berend. “Working with horses taught Sebastian and I a lot of important lessons,” Sophie noted. “And we want to instill those values in Berend.” When asked what Middleburg might be like in 20 years, Sophie replied: “I think Middleburg will have its challenges learning how to grow gracefully. This area is so special because of its history, and its love of doing things the old-fashioned way. As time goes on, new people move here with different sensibilities. I hope we can maintain what keeps us such a special part of the world.” And her major concerns? “As someone who works in conservation, of course development is a main concern. We’re lucky so many landowners had the foresight to preserve their land many years ago but there is always more work to do. I’m proud to play a role in that process.” Looking forward, Sophie hopes their son will have her same love of the outdoors and wildlife. “It’s why we live here. I love the MOC Beagles for teaching children how to be good stewards to the land and how they partner with other groups, like Blue Ridge Wildlife Center and Goose Creek Association, so that the children are exposed to a variety of ways they can stay involved. Berend has already been to a few of their events, and I can’t wait to hunt together in a few years.” Photo by Doug Gehlsen Middleburg Photo.
Sophie Langenberg with her son, Berend Langenberg. Berend’s red and black playsuit from Little Lambkins in Middleburg.
MIDDLEBURG SUSTAINABLE COMMITTEE| Winter 2022
