A series of short updates from around the PEC region – Albemarle & Charlottesville, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange & Rappahannock.
Publications
The Piedmont Environmental Council produces a number of publications — follow the links below to view PDFs of our newsletters, annual reports, Buy Fresh Buy Local guides and more.
Story Map Brings History to Light
In 1860, free and enslaved African Americans made up half of Fauquier County’s entire population. Black communities like Morgantown, two miles south of Marshall and where Afro-American Historical Association of Fauquier County President Karen Hughes White and Board Member Angela Davidson were raised, grew out of emancipation. They held powerful meaning as community centers where African Americans could freely do what they could not when they were enslaved: worship, conduct commerce, obtain education, own land.
Signs of a Scenic River
In western Albemarle County, the cold, pristine waters of the Moormans River spill over a towering Sugar Hollow Dam and wind eastward for 14.3 miles. Flowing gently at first through historic Sugar Hollow and White Hall, it gathers strength and speed from Doyles River, Wards Creek, and other streams before joining the Mechum River at Brinnington to form the Rivanna River. Eventually, the Moormans’ waters reach the James River and the Chesapeake Bay.
President’s Letter – Summer 2021
The emergence of the Brood X cicadas this year weirdly coincided with our reentry into in-person interaction and engagement after more than a year of Covid-related restrictions and social distancing and a time of historic political and social change.
Every Five Years…
The Land Trust Accreditation Program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. The Piedmont Environmental Council is pleased to announce it is applying for renewal of accreditation. A public comment period is now open.
Summer 2021 Newsletter
The summer 2021 edition contains articles about an exciting new story map with the Afro-American Historical Association of Fauquier County, expansion of the new Heyward Community Forest, installation of scenic river signs on the Moormans, land trust accreditation, on the ground updates from PEC’s 9 counties, and more.
2021 Land Conservation Update
This annual publication of The Piedmont Environmental Council highlights land conservation opportunities available to landowners in the region. This edition includes a feature on a recent Purchase of Development Rights easement in Fauquier County, 2020 Piedmont land conservation totals and general information for those who may be interested in putting their land in easement.
A Community Forest Grows (and Expands) on the Edge of Charlottesville
Since the advent of Covid-19, Charlottesville area greenways and open spaces have seen unprecedented visitorship as people have gravitated to the outdoors in search of the physical and emotional benefits of nature and fresh air. That’s why the creation of the new Heyward Community Forest is so timely.
Spring 2021 Newsletter
The spring 2021 edition of the Piedmont View was mailed out to PEC members in March. To become a member of The Piedmont Environmental Council visit pecva.org/join.
President’s Letter – Spring 2021
The arrival of Spring 2021 brings with it a special sense of rebirth and reopening as we emerge from the incredible challenges we faced together in 2020. As the weather warms, the spring ephemerals emerge, the amphibians meet in cool pools, and bird migrations begin, we are also hopeful for the return to the places, people and events that confirm our sense of community and shared mission.