Dustin always wanted to carry on the tradition as the fourth-generation family member to own the farm. His great-grandfather bought the farm in 1939, and it had passed down to his grandfather.
Elizabeth Ransom
Piedmont Memorial Overlook: the view that inspired a lifelong commitment
A flash of blue soared over my car windshield. What kind of bird creates a vivid cerulean streak? Was that an Eastern bluebird? Or was it an indigo bunting, the eponymous bird I later heard chattering in the treetops?
Virginia Gov. Spanberger Signs Bill Defining Agrivoltaics
Today at The Piedmont Environmental Council’s Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows — the site of Virginia’s first crop-based agrivoltaics project — Gov. Abigail Spanberger ceremonially signed legislation (SB 340/HB 508) that officially defines the term agrivoltaics.
Media advisory: Virginia Gov. Spanberger to Sign Bill Defining Agrivoltaics
Gov. Spanberger is joining The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) for a ceremony celebrating the signing of a bill (SB 508/HB 340) that officially defines the term agrivoltaics and paves the way for well crafted, well sited dual-use solar installations across Virginia.
Media Advisory: Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to Host Community Meeting
The community is invited to attend a meeting regarding a DEQ permit renewal for land application of biosolids and water treatment plant residuals as fertilizer in Albemarle County.
Proposed Transmission Line Corridor Named One of Virginia’s Most Endangered Historic Places
Preservation Virginia has named the corridor targeted for Valley Link’s proposed 765 kilovolt transmission line project (aka Joshua Falls-Yeat) to its list of Virginia’s Most Endangered Historic Places for 2026.
Press Conference to Spotlight Threats Posed by Proposed 115-Mile Valley Link Transmission Line Across Virginia
The press conference will reveal an important announcement that will highlight the concerning impacts of Valley Link’s proposed Joshua Falls-Yeat 765 kilovolt transmission line project, which would traverse nine Virginia counties.
Press Release: Scenic Virginia Seeks Nominations for Treasured Views
Scenic Virginia launches call for nominations for Virginia’s Treasured Views. Participants will help build statewide inventory of Virginia’s scenic assets, giving communities, planners, and decision-makers the information to protect the places that matter most.
PRESS RELEASE: Scenic Virginia Announces Inaugural Roundtable on Treasured Landscapes
Scenic Virginia is proud to announce its inaugural roundtable on preserving the commonwealth’s treasured landscapes, taking place Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at historic James Madison’s Montpelier.
Conservation Easement Enables Farm To Remain in Family for Fourth Generation
Thanks to creativity, collaboration, and a conservation solution put together by The Piedmont Environmental Council and American Farmland Trust, 226 acres of a cattle farm operated by Dustin Watson in Greene County will remain in his family and be protected forever by a conservation easement.