A severe lack of documentation contributes greatly to the loss of cemeteries and the stories they represent. We need your help!
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.
In Memoriam: Margaret “Peggy” Richardson
After a long life of leadership, public service, and caring for others, Margaret “Peggy” Richardson, Piedmont Environmental Council board member and chair of PEC’s Nominations and Governance Committee, passed away July 13 at her Scuffleburg farm in Fauquier County. Peggy is survived by her husband John, a daughter and son-in-law, and three beloved grandchildren.
Help Improve Neighborhood Connectivity in Charlottesville
For Charlottesville to reach its potential as a truly world-class city, residents must be able to move about easily, safely and affordably. Much needs to be done to reach that (appropriately) high standard, yet we can’t do everything all at once. So where should advocates, planners and officials focus their efforts?
Week Ahead for July 12, 2021: Charlottesville PC to consider Belmont rezoning, closing a paper street to Little High, alternate Future Land Use Map
Somehow we find ourselves halfway through the month, thought not even close to halfway through the summer. At first glance, this week looked like it might be lighter than usual, in part because Albemarle County is giving its Community Advisory Committees the month off. But as always, there’s a lot going on when you look at the totality of meetings in the area. This week Tuesday is the big day.
A Sanctuary, A Pollinator Garden
“This native plant garden provides important food and shelter for pollinators, birds and other wildlife,” reads a sign introducing a small but impactful plot of brightly colored flowers.
Week Ahead for July 5, 2021: Council meets Wednesday on Confederate statues; New alignment for TransAmerican bike route in Palmyra
Welcome to the second half of the year, or the first full week of the new fiscal year. Either way, today is the day after Independence Day and a good time to know what’s happening in local government in and around Charlottesville.
Week Ahead for June 28, 2021: Charlottesville PC to discuss next steps for comp plan update; Pantops group to review Urban Rivanna River plan
The final week of June and the first week of July take place within the same seven day period. Even though the Independence Day holiday will be observed on July 5, this may be one of the more demure weeks in local and regional government. Perhaps the new fiscal year is being celebrated more widely?
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.
Week Ahead for June 21, 2021: Regional Housing Plan to be unveiled; Albemarle PC to review Crozet Master Plan
Summertime, and the meetings are busy. This community seems to only take one week off each year from meetings, and this is not that week.
Video: Documenting Fauquier’s Forgotten History
In 1860, free and enslaved African Americans made up half of Fauquier County’s entire population. After the Civil War, Black communities like Morgantown, two miles south of Marshall, that grew out of emancipation held powerful meaning as community centers where African Americans could freely worship, conduct commerce, obtain education and own land.