We are so excited for our three volunteer tree plantings this fall! Planting native trees and shrubs along streams, rivers, and ponds – also known as riparian buffers – is a way to help clean water and connect wildlife habitat.
Plantings for the Piedmont
PEC and some of our partner organizations offer programs across our 9-county region that provide free technical assistance, project design, materials, and labor for the planting of native trees and shrubs in riparian zones on qualifying properties.
Plantings for the Piedmont: A Team Effort
It was a brisk morning in late January as I stood with a Fauquier County landowner. We leaned against a fence at the end of the site visit, discussing the coming tree planting projects at her property, when she said, “I want you to know that we’re a team. Whether it’s today as we’re standing here, tomorrow, or the next day, we’re in this together.”
Free Native Tree Giveaways This Spring!
This spring, PEC is partnering with Friends of the Rappahannock to give away over 600 native trees in Leesburg and Aldie!
Plantings for the Piedmont applications open for 2025-2026
See if you are eligible for FREE assistance to plant and maintain trees on your property. Applications for Plantings for the Piedmont are open for 2025-2026.
Partnership for the Ages
The Hellmanns are glad to know that their corner of the world will remain intact — a place where generations to come can enjoy the native wildflowers alongside Bear Trail, the hardwoods they plan to plant after the next pine harvest, and the great place to live that they have always loved by the creek.
Call for Volunteers: Upcoming Tree Plantings in Rappahannock County
PEC works throughout the year on private and public property to plant trees and shrubs to establish or improve riparian buffers. This fall, we are hosting two volunteer tree plantings in Rappahannock County.
This May, Orvis Giveback Days Will Raise Money for The Piedmont Environmental Council’s Tree Planting Program
During the month of September, when you shop at your local Orvis store in Arlington, Leesburg or Tysons Corner part of your purchase goes to support local land and water conservation efforts! For every purchase over $10, Orvis will donate $10 on your behalf to The Piedmont Environmental Council as a part of their Giveback Days campaign.
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.
Volunteer Spotlight: Felix Kontanis and Jennifer Dorrer
Each spring and fall, PEC welcomes dozens of volunteers who get their hands dirty and their feet muddy helping us plant native trees and shrubs along streams on private properties. We caught up with two of our tree planting volunteers, Jennifer Dorrer and her son, Felix Kontanis, to learn about their experiences with PEC.
Spring 2023 Tree Planting Opportunities
We are so excited for our four volunteer tree plantings this spring in Clarke, Culpeper Orange and Rappahannock counties during March and April.