A series of short updates from around the PEC region – Albemarle & Charlottesville, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange & Rappahannock.
Sophia Chapin

Summer at PEC’s Community Farm
Our Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows ushered in its third growing season this spring and welcomed hundreds of volunteers through its gates. As we all continue to grapple with the Covid-19 pandemic, the Community Farm has served as an inspiring gathering place for community members to enjoy nature, give back and socialize with neighbors (in a safe manner!).

Virginia Survey Shows Support for Conservation
Over three-quarters of Virginias support investing $300 million annually to protect Virginia’s natural resources
Fall 2021 Newsletter
The fall 2021 edition contains articles about the Piedmont Grassland Bird Initiative, a new meat processing program that supports the rural economy, Loudoun County’s historic villages, recent PEC fellows and projects, on the ground updates from PEC’s 9 counties, and more.

New boat launch on the Rappahannock River
On August 14, Fauquier County’s second Rappahannock River kayak/canoe launch officially opened at the Rector Tract with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, offering county residents a new public access point to the state-designated scenic river.

2021 PEC Fellows conclude summer of learning
This summer PEC held its 15th annual fellowship program. From June 7 through 23, fourteen fellows joined PEC online to learn about conservation, urban planning, agriculture, historic preservation, public policy, and many other skills relevant to work in the environmental nonprofit sector.

Invasive Species in Your Own Backyard
Invasive species are everywhere in the Piedmont region, including your backyard. Don’t let invasive species take over your pristine yard and learn about the ways to identify an intruder.
Avoiding Invasive Species: Call Upon Your HOA
Homeowners need to get involved with their HOAs to ensure they avoid the use of invasive plants. There are several ways individuals can take action to do so, such as attending meetings, contacting the board members, serving on a committee, and creating volunteer events.

Stopping Invasive Species at the Source: What to Avoid at Garden Centers
One of the best things you can do to control invasive species in your area is avoid purchasing them in the first place. There are currently no restrictions on the sale of invasive species in Virginia and DC, so the responsibility falls on the consumer to avoid purchasing these invasive plants.

Why You Should Be Worried About Invasive Species On Your Property
Invasive species don’t just have consequences to the surrounding ecosystem. They can have serious impacts on your property as well- everything from time to money to the beauty of your land.