In 2012, landowners in PEC’s nine-county region voluntarily conserved over 9,500 acres of land by donating conservation easements. This brings the region’s total to more than 357,000 acres of privately protected land, or 16.8% of the land in the region. That’s without accounting for the parks and other public lands, which add another 185,000 acres to the region’s tally of conserved land. At its core, land conservation is about preserving our scenic landscapes, our economically productive working lands, and the crucial natural and cultural resources that make this region a wonderful, healthy place to live. Landowners who conserve their land are protecting numerous streams, rivers, wetlands, forests, prime agricultural lands, historic districts and battlefields. These resources not only make the Piedmont a great place to call home, but they are fundamental to the local and state economies. Read More

In late November 2012, a sold-out crowd packed the Middleburg Community Center for a Invasive Plant Symposium sponsored by PEC, the Sacharuna Foundation, Virginia Working Landscapes, and United Plant Savers. The event featured a panel of scientific experts, foresters and farmers to talk about methods for controlling invasive plants and utilizing native plants. Dr. Doug Tallamy, the nationally acclaimed speaker and author of the best seller Bringing Nature Home,was the keynote speaker. Read More

PEC thanks everyone who protected their land in 2012—preserving the Piedmont’s natural heritage for generations to come. Read a brief story from each of our 9 counties. Read More

In 2007, Virginia Uranium, Inc. (VUI) made their intentions clear: they were going to persuade lawmakers to lift the Commonwealth’s standing moratorium on uranium mining and milling. The company had their eyes set on a large deposit of uranium in Southwest Virginia, and they adamantly ignored the numerous warnings and unknowns. Determined to break ground in Pittsylvania County, VUI poured millions into a massive lobbying effort and PR campaign to make it happen. They pulled all of the stops— including flying legislators to France. Read More