Nearly a third of the nation’s farmland—301 million acres of U.S. land—is now farmed or co-farmed by women. Some are new farmers and others have inherited family land they farm themselves or lease out to neighboring farmers. Over the next two decades, the American Farmland Trust estimates that 240 million acres of farmland are expected to change owners as aging farmers retire or leave their land to the next generation. Many of these new owners, with some estimations up to 75 percent, will be women.
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.
A Trail of History
Walking downhill through the open meadow, one gets a sense of liberty that comes when exploring this tranquil, rural place. At the bottom of the hill, there’s an historic log structure, which provides a glimpse into the property’s past. Once the pathway leads into the forest, you begin ascending the mountain to find spectacular views of the Blue Ridge.
Fauquier Hits a Conservation Milestone
A significant milestone happened this summer that took the collective effort of hundreds of landowners, farmers and families. Leading the charge, Fauquier became the first county in Virginia to forever preserve more than 100,000 acres of land using conservation easements.
Look at All the Stars!
A few weeks ago, friends from D.C. were visiting for the weekend. As the evening wore on, we found ourselves outside discussing current events, the latest gossip, and our plans for the fall—when, inevitably, eyes turned toward the sky, and I heard something I often hear from friends visiting, “Wow! Look at all the stars.”
On the Ground
Read “On the Ground” updates for Albemarle, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock Counties.
Power Hungry
This past May, 125 people gathered at the Rapidan fire hall to discuss how to protect the community and its historic and scenic landscape from Dominion’s newly proposed Remington-Pratts-Gordonsville Transmission Project.
A Vote Against Sprawl
Developers pushed Loudoun Board of Supervisors for more houses in the Transition Area and the Loudoun community pushed back!.
A Quest for Wildlife Habitat Restoration at Home
When you first visit Bruce Jones’ property, you’re apt to get overwhelmed. Everywhere you turn, something is fluttering, flowers are blooming, and life is happening. “Once you get it in your blood,” Bruce says, “it’s hard to switch to TV.”
Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders in Environmental Conservation
This summer marks our ninth Summer Fellowship Program, an annual seven-week educational program for college students and recent graduates.
Go Native Go Local
This guide provides the residents of the Virginia Piedmont with a listing of businesses, most of them local, that offer products and services that promote our native biodiversity! Go Native Go Local aims to strengthen the local economy and is a sister publication to our Buy Fresh Buy Local guide. If you use this guide, please let the businesses know that The Piedmont Environmental Council sent you!