All of us here at PEC know that resilient food systems are crucial to building stronger, more sustainable communities. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to support and promote working farms and to bring fresh, locally grown food to people throughout our region.
Maps & Resources
Randal Fellows immerse themselves in PEC’s work
Twelve college students and recent graduates from around the country joined us this summer for the 19th annual Randal Fellowship, an eight-week immersion program in The Piedmont Environmental Council’s work and exploration of conservation-related careers.
Why Should Virginians Pay Big Tech’s Electric Bills?
The 2025 Biennial Review of Dominion Energy currently underway is the most important rate case in decades.
Enter PEC’s annual Virginia Piedmont photo contest now through Sept. 30
alling all professional and amateur photographers. Now through September 30, you’re invited to submit your best images of the beautiful Virginia Piedmont for The Piedmont Environmental Council’s 16th Annual Photo Contest.
Loop de ‘Ville Trail Fest – Registration is OPEN!
Loop de ‘Ville Trail Fest – Registration is OPEN!
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Registration is now open for Loop de ‘Ville (LDV) Trail Fest on September 27 and t-shirts are available for pre-order. Learn more about this celebration of the outdoors and register now at loopdeville.org.
There are several ways to participate, including several new options highlighted:
- Run, hike or bike the Loop with a guided group (20 miles, all paces).
- New: Run the Half-Loop from Fontaine Research Park to Rivanna River Company. Runners will be shuttled from the Rivanna River Company to Fontaine Research Park to begin their run from there.
- New: Hike the Half-Loop from Fontaine Research Park to Rivanna River Company. Hikers will be shuttled from the Rivanna River Company to Fontaine Research Park to begin their hike from there.
- New: Walk the Mini Loop, a three-mile inclusive walk/roll that will be suitable for all people of all abilities, led by the Piedmont Environmental Council. It will follow the Rivanna River and highlight trail and stewardship projects along the urban Rivanna River corridor.
- Celebrate the trails at the Finish Line Party at Rivanna River Company — FREE and open to the public. DJ Double U will be spinning all day so the Finish Line Party is lively for all finishers. There will be food trucks, beer and cider available for purchase. Alcohol and merch sales will directly benefit the Rivanna Trails Foundation.
- Volunteer — RTF needs folks to help with registration/check-in, the many Cheer Zones, parking, raffle ticket sales, leading/sweeping hiking groups, and more. Volunteer sign-up is open!
- Sponsor / Donate — Help RTF put on an amazing, safe and enjoyable event for everyone!
History of Loop de ‘Ville:
More than 20 years ago, RTF members decided to lead a guided hike on the ~20-mile loop of the Rivanna Trail – now known as the Loop – that encircles Charlottesville. It soon became an annual tradition and has continued for decades. Previously open only to members of the RTF, the event eventually opened to the public and has since turned into a festival to celebrate the trail, connect the community and introduce newcomers to this incredible resource in our backyards. Local organizations work year-round to support the trail system in Charlottesville and Albemarle County and this event is a great opportunity to showcase those efforts and the benefits they provide to the community.
RTF’s goal is to put on a fun event and remove barriers so community members can join LDV in a way that is welcoming and safe. If that means just spending time at the Rivanna River Company in community with others (starting at 12 p.m.), that’s great! We’ve also added several new options to enjoy the trail for different lengths, speeds and abilities this year. We’d be happy to share what LDV is all about. This is a ‘made by the community for the community’ event so, we are counting on you to help make this the best Loop de ‘Ville Fest yet!
Please note that t-shirts are only available for pre-order on the event’s Movemint page. Sign up for LDV-specific emails to be kept up to date.
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Media Contact: Meredith Ogilvie-Thompson, [email protected]
The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) works to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. Founded in 1972, PEC is a locally based, community-supported 501(c)3 nonprofit and accredited land trust. At the core of PEC’s approach is a focus on educating, engaging and empowering people to effect positive change in their communities.
Piedmont Environmental Council Launches Virginians for a Smarter Digital Future
The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) announced the launch of “Virginians for a Smarter Digital Future,” a statewide campaign designed to raise awareness of the impacts of data centers for all Virginia residents — and provide the tools they need to advocate for themselves, as well as their families, businesses and communities.
State Corporation Commission Must Set Fair Rates and Protect Virginia Residents from Subsidizing Data Center Infrastructure
The Piedmont Environmental Council submitted expert witness testimony to the State Corporation Commission (SCC) regarding the commission’s biennial review of Dominion Energy’s rates for generation, transmission, and distribution services.
Take Action: Make Free Bridge Lane Permanently Car-free
Late last year, Albemarle County closed Free Bridge Lane to automobile traffic, creating a safe, riverside space for walking, running, and biking. That has proved very popular so the Board of Supervisors will discuss making the arrangement permanent at its August 6 meeting.
Here are five ways you can help:
- Please sign PEC’s petition requesting the following: 1) finalize the road closure, 2) fund and build a first wave of safety, access and environmental improvements, and 3) budget in coming years to construct the proposed promenade. We will forward the petition to County leaders when the time comes.
- Contact the Board of Supervisors directly and tell them why places like Free Bridge Lane are important to you.
- Attend the August 6 meeting and consider speaking during the public comment period (at the beginning of the meeting).
- Share your ideas for improvements, projects, activities, or events you would like to see On Free Bridge Lane (especially things that can be done quickly, cheaply and that you would be willing to champion).
- Get inspired! A team of PEC Summer Fellows has prepared an idea book of (mostly) practical ways to transform the disused roadway into a lively park. Take a look!
The future of Free Bridge Lane will depend on a combination of volunteer energy, private donations and certain specific actions that only the government can take (like improving the safety and access). We depend on all of you to make it happen!
In the meantime, go check it out. The flat, paved riverside space is especially good for learning ride a bike or rollerblade, doing measured wind sprints or walking with elders. [Info page]
A Conversation on Trails and Connectivity
While conserving the verdant landscapes of Virginia’s Piedmont is foundational to The Piedmont Environmental Council’s mission, making the outdoors accessible to everyone has become an equally vital goal. Over the past few years, we have deliberately integrated trail development into our broader conservation mission, protecting strategic properties that can serve as trail corridors or public access points to create lasting places and ways for people to experience the Piedmont’s natural beauty firsthand.
Conservation Benefits Everyone
The car in front of me swerved to miss something in the road. I slowed, watching a small creature make its slow, plodding way across the asphalt. As I got closer, I realized it was a tiny baby opossum. Three other babies had already been struck in the road, with no mother in sight.