On May 24, 2023, the American Battlefield Trust, Central Virginia Battlefields Trust, Inc., Friends of Wilderness Battlefield, Inc., and a number of Orange County and Spotsylvania County residents filed a legal challenge to the recent approval by the Orange County Board of Supervisors of the rezoning of 2,600 acres in the county, known as Wilderness Crossing, at the gateway to the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. The lawsuit cites several violations of state constitutional and statutory law and county zoning ordinance, including procedural errors, lack of required submittals and findings, and failure to comply with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, among other errors.
Our Work
Safeguarding the landscapes, communities and heritage of the Piedmont by involving citizens in public policy and land conservation. Learn more about our work by browsing the subject areas below and find out how to get involved!

Bike to Work Week Was a Great Success!
A huge thanks to everyone who worked, rode and promoted Bike to Work Week to ensure it was an astounding success. We had ten events in one week (including Riverfest), all of which were fun and invigorating.

New local food guides printed and mailed region-wide
From veggies and fruit, to meat and dairy, to beer, wine and more, you’ll find your favorite local food in our recently released 2023-2024 guides for the Northern Piedmont, Loudoun County and Charlottesville Area.
Fifth Street Trail Hub Update
The 5th Street Trail and Hub project will create a shared-use path connecting the 5th Street Starbucks, Fifth Street Station Parkway, and a trailhead at Fifth Street Station near Wegmans.

Loudoun Buy Fresh Buy Local guide arriving in mailboxes soon
With the spring growing season upon the Virginia Piedmont, The Piedmont Environmental Council is pleased to announce the release of its 2023-2024 Buy Fresh Buy Local Loudoun County guide, offering a one-stop source connecting consumers to fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy, meat and more, by way of local farmers and farmers markets.

Free Upcoming Events at Roundabout Meadows
Spring is here and so is the event season at PEC’s incredible property at Roundabout Meadows in Aldie, VA. Over the next few months, we are so excited to be offering a number of educational ‘walk and talks’ along the Old Carolina Road Trail and through the pastures of Roundabout Meadows, providing an opportunity to connect more deeply with the work PEC is doing to protect the air and water, habitat, and working farms of the Virginia Piedmont.

Charlottesville and surrounding areas Buy Fresh Buy Local guides arriving in mailboxes soon
With the spring growing season upon the Virginia Piedmont, The Piedmont Environmental Council is pleased to announce the release of its 2023-2024 Buy Fresh Buy Local Charlottesville area guide, offering a one-stop source connecting consumers to fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy, meat and more, by way of local farmers and farmers markets.

Volunteer Opportunities at the Community Farm
Interested in volunteering? Help us with planting and harvesting healthy food for Loudoun residents in need. On-site training will be provided. Previous experience is welcomed, but it is not required. Be prepared to work outside in variable weather conditions, get your hands dirty while doing a good deed, and learn about your local agriculture community. All ages are welcome. However, children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. There will be special days scheduled to accommodate the whole family!

PEC Brings Home the Platinum
We are honored that our work highlighting climate change and impacts in Albemarle County has been recognized by the 17th Annual Hermes Creative Awards. The Hermes Creative Awards, one of the oldest and largest creative competitions in the world, honor creative professionals who are the messengers and creators of the information revolution.

A Walk Along Cedar Run
Earlier this month, friends new and old joined us for the 20th Annual Bluebell Walk: Benefits of Beavers, Birds & Battling Invasives for Native Biodiversity along the banks of Cedar Run in Catlett, VA.