Our Region
PEC focuses on nine counties and one city in the northern Piedmont of Virginia: Albemarle, Charlottesville, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange, and Rappahannock.
We also team with local organizations to promote thriving communities and healthy natural resources in a much larger region, including the Shenandoah Valley, the central Piedmont, and the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Corridor. In addition, we are proud to serve as fiscal sponsor of the Coalition for Smarter Growth, an organization that focuses on land use and policy in the greater Washington D.C. area.
Solar for Rural Businesses Workshop Resources – May 7, 2024
On May 7, 2024, PEC hosted a workshop called “Solar for Rural Businesses: Accessing Funding for Small-Scale Solar” in Albemarle County.
Wilderness Battlefield Area, Threats and the Data Center Industry
Wilderness Battlefield’s inclusion on this list underscores the inextricable link between natural, historic and cultural resources.
The Germanna Ford Boat Launch is Open!
A new public boat launch on the Rapidan River is now open to visitors at Historic Germanna in Orange County.
Resources from the Bealeton Community Meeting on Transmission Lines and Data Centers – April 29, 2024
More than 70 people joined us on April 29 for a Community Meeting on Transmission Lines and Data Centers at Liberty High School. We were encouraged to see so many folks from the community invested in learning more about these important emerging issues.
Cville Area Land Use: Week Ahead for May 6, 2024
Solar restrictions to be discussed in Fluvanna and Louisa; VDOT has found Charlottesville “deficient” in being able to implement transportation projects
Imperiled by Development, Wilderness Battlefield Named One of Nation’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places
Wilderness Battlefield, site of a pivotal clash that marked a turning point in the Civil War, was named one of the nation’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places due to the threat of a massive data center development that would irrevocably destroy the historic landscapes fundamental to maintaining the area as a vital educational resource and treasured hallowed ground.
Free Conservation Lecture Series at the Culpeper County Library
Join local environmental nonprofits The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) and Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) from 7-8 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month for a free lecture at the Culpeper County Library.
Rural Landowner Manual: A Resource Guide for the Northern Piedmont
The publication includes a list of experts, programs and opportunities to assist landowners, with practical advice on navigating the complexities of rural property stewardship.
Strengthening Albemarle County’s Land Conservation Programs: AC44 Comprehensive Plan
As part of the AC44 Comprehensive Plan update, the County has the opportunity to increase support for and strengthen its land conservation programs, including reinstating its purchase of development rights (PDR) program.