Thorny, twisting, catching, sharp. These words, and other more colorful ones, are often used to describe common greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia), a familiar early successional and understory plant.
For Wildlife & Fish Habitat
Information for landowners interested in improving wildlife & fish habitat.
Webinar: Sustainable Landscaping Workshop
On October 8, 2021, we held a webinar about the importance of using native plants in our landscapes.
An Introduction to Grassland Birds
PGBI Coordinator Justin Proctor shares his experience researching grassland birds.
Video: Fish Surveys with Virginia DWR
PEC teamed up with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to monitor the health of aquatic communities at two of our habitat restoration sights in Rappahannock County: Bolton Branch and Piney River!
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.
Video: Orvis Giveback Days for Bolton Branch
In May, The Piedmont Environmental Council teamed up with Orvis to raise money to restore two miles of brook trout stream habitat on Bolton Branch in Rappahannock County.
What is the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative?
Native grasslands have suffered the most intense impact by humans of any of North America’s terrestrial ecosystems, resulting in grassland-associated birds experiencing a steeper, more consistent decline than any other guild of birds.
Beavers Are a Stream’s Best Friend
Did you know that beavers only eat the bark off branches? Well, sometimes they eat the buds and roots of their favorite trees, like willow, maple, poplar, beech, birch, alder and aspen trees.
Video: Meadows Farm Tree Planting
WATCH: PEC staff and volunteers planted 300 trees at Meadows Farm in Fauquier County on Earth Day!
Brook Trout: Gems of the Piedmont Webinar + Resources
On April 29, 2021, the National Sporting Library & Museum held a public webinar with staff from PEC about the the work being done to restore habitat for the brook trout. Check out the recording below, as well as a list of helpful resources. Check out more of NSLM’s events on their website at nationalsporting.org.