The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

The Nature Conservancy polled foodies in the Richmond and Washington areas about their favorite green restaurants. Who is serving local, in-season foods, adding sustainably managed seafood to the menu, or offering grass-fed and free-range meat options? And you responded with hundreds of nominations. We narrowed the field to a few top nominated restaurants for each city and have opened the polls. To vote, visit nature.org/naturesplate.

The 2012 Nature’s Plate Award will name the people’s choice for each area’s top green restaurant.

Nominees for Richmond

• The Blue Goat
• The Empress
• Max's Positive Vibes Café
• Mint
• Selba

Nominees for Washington, D.C.

• Busboys & Poets
• Founding Farmers
• Restaurant Nora
• Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar

Voting is open through June 21, with each city’s winner announced on June 26. Encourage others to vote and support your favorite restaurant via social media using #naturesplate, @nature_DCMDVA and on Facebook.

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

Recent trends show a dramatic shift toward sourcing local foods and using more sustainable practices for farming and fishing. Nature’s Plate highlights some of the restaurants that are leading and supporting this trend. 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.

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. Nature’s Plate is brought to you by The Nature Conservancy and sponsored by Open Table.

In addition to Virginia (Richmond) and Washington, D.C., 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).

Cast Your Vote!