Farmland and forests produce the essentials of life, from the food on our tables to clean water and air. In PEC’s nine-county area, approximately 200,000 acres of farmland and 198,000 acres of forests are protected through private, voluntary land conservation.
Improving Pastures
Farms are the heart of the Piedmont region. Creating healthy pastures means sustainable farmland and a strong local economy …
Properties at Gilberts Corner
Driving west on Rt. 50 in Loudoun County, you may breathe a sigh of relief when you reach the first …
Buy Fresh Buy Local Guides
The Piedmont Environmental Council’s Buy Fresh Buy Local program helps consumers find local products while building relationships between growers, food …
Leasing Farmland
Access to affordable tillable farmland and pasture is one of the primary barriers for next-generation farmers and a healthy evolution …
Bridging the Urban/Rural Divide
From my perspective over at Gilberts Corner, I can look in either direction and see these two very different, but interdependent worlds …
Long Acre Farm: A Creative Solution for a Farming Conundrum
In Greene County, young Dustin Watson works the 274-acre cattle farm co-owned by two elder family members …
Reshaping the Future of Farm to Table: Expanding Local Meat Processing Capacity in Virginia
This video tells the story of partners coming together to give small Virginia producers more options to process meat products from their farms …
Bringing Solar to Farms in the Piedmont
Whether it’s DIY or in the hands of the Commonwealth’s many trusted local solar businesses, now is a better time than ever to go solar …
Quick Update: Things to Know in Culpeper
Before we get to the end of the year, I want to give you a quick update on some issues we’ve been following in Culpeper …
2023 Highlights: A Holistic Approach to Conservation
PEC works to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. The following highlights reflect our work in 2023 …
Resources from our Solar on the Farm workshop – November 14, 2023
On November 14, 2023, PEC hosted a workshop called “Solar on the Farm: Improving Your Ag Operation with On-site Energy.” …
Working With Farmers to Protect Our Waterways
Agriculture is Virginia’s largest industry by many metrics. It also represents the largest source of nutrient and sediment pollution reaching Virginia’s local streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay. Fortunately, addressing these pollution loads offers an …
Sources of Conservation Funding Workshop Resources
If you were unable to attend our recent Sources of Conservation Funding Workshop and Social at Powers Farm & Brewery in Midland, VA, PEC and our fantastic conservation partners are here to help you explore …
Farming for the Future
Planted, literally and not accidentally, at the edge of rural and suburban Loudoun County, PEC’s Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows plays many important roles …
The Piedmont Environmental Council is a partner of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition. We support the 4 core principles of soil health management: Keep Soil Covered; Minimize Soil Disturbance; Maximize Living Roots; and, Energize with Diversity. Join the movement today at 4thesoil.org.