It was fantastic to have such an engaged crowd at our recent Conservation Funding Workshop and Social at Powers Farm & Brewery in Midland! We thank everyone who came out to network with us. The docket was packed with presentations on conservation opportunities for farmers and landowners as well as technical and financial resources available for residential, agricultural, and wildlife habitat resource enhancement.
Much of the conservation success in this region has been the result of individuals acting on the belief that they can make a difference starting in their own backyards. We hope these resources inspire you to join the effort to protect local biodiversity and ensure a future with clean water, productive farms, grasslands and forests, and plenty of open space. If you were unable to attend or need a refresher, The Piedmont Environmental Council and our fantastic conservation partners are here to help you explore your options! Below you will find the presentations along with the direct contact information for each program.
Agricultural, residential and wildlife practices
Such as livestock exclusion fencing and watering systems for improved herd health and water quality; conservation landscaping and rainwater harvesting for backyards of all sizes; delayed haying for grassland birds; and native meadows for pollinators.
Presenters:
Melissa Allen
District Manager
John Marshall Soil & Water Conservation District
(540) 422-8493, [email protected]
Linnea Sherman
Plantings for the Piedmont Program Coordinator
The Piedmont Environmental Council
(540) 347-2334 ext. 7053, [email protected]
October Greenfield
Wildlife Habitat Program Manager and Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative Co-Coordinator
The Piedmont Environmental Council
(540) 347-2334 ext. 7051, [email protected]
Presentations:
Conservation easements
Tools to permanently protect the land that you love for the benefit of current and future generations, and potential financial benefits associated with a donation or purchase of an easement.
Presenters:
Bryn Sonnett
Rappahannock-Rapidan Conservation Program Manager
The Piedmont Environmental Council
(540) 347-2334 ext. 7067, [email protected]
Jacob Fravel
Agricultural Development Officer
Fauquier County Agricultural Development
540-422-8278, [email protected]
Presentations:
Additionally, we heard from Rick Gerhardt, Cedar Run Supervisor and Fauquier landowner, about his experience pursuing multiple conservation approaches utilizing programs like Fauquier County’s Purchase of Development Rights, Natural Resource Conservation Service’s ACEP-ALE (Agricultural Land Easement) and stream/wetland mitigation programs.
This free and informative event is one of many made possible by PEC’s Julian W. Scheer Fauquier Land Conservation Fund. The Fauquier Fund provides technical assistance and financial support for landowners looking to donate conservation easements, and short-term loans for folks installing agricultural best management practices with partner agencies, and hosts educational workshops like the one you attended last week. Please consider a donation to the Fauquier Fund! Checks can be made payable to Piedmont Foundation-Julian Scheer Fauquier Fund and sent to The Piedmont Environmental Council at P.O. Box 460 Warrenton, VA 20188.