The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

The Nature Conservancy is asking foodies in the Washington and Richmond areas to nominate their favorite green restaurants for Nature’s Plate, a contest to name the people’s choice for each area’s top green restaurant. Recent trends show a dramatic shift toward sourcing local foods and using more sustainable practices for farming, ranching and fishing. Nature’s Plate offers a way to highlight some of the restaurants that are leading and supporting this trend. Nature’s Plate is brought to you by The Nature Conservancy and sponsored by Open Table.

“Food is one of the most personal ways you connect with nature. Support your local restaurants that offer sustainably caught seafood and locally harvested fruits and vegetables,” said Michael Lipford, Virginia executive director of The Nature Conservancy. “You can boost the local economy, enjoy a great meal and help the planet.”

While the contest is focused on restaurants, it’s only the start of a conversation about food, conservation and The Nature Conservancy’s work with farmers, fishermen and ranchers. To participate, visit www.nature.org/naturesplate, click on your city and then nominate your favorite green restaurant. You can also learn more about what makes a restaurant green and some of our work in the region.

Nominations are open now, semifinal voting begins June 4 and the winner will be announced June 26.

Bite-sized actions make a big difference for you and the planet. Share your passion to help raise awareness of delicious food that’s good for you and good for the planet.

In addition to Washington, DC, and Virginia (Richmond), this state-by-state contest is being hosted by Conservancy chapters in California (SF Bay area, LA), Illinois (Chicago), New York (NYC), New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania (Philadelphia), Florida (Miami), Washington (Seattle) and Colorado (Denver/Boulder).