After compiling the data for 2025’s spring and fall plantings, I sat staring at my screen. Could that be right? Did we actually plant 15,000 trees last year?
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.
Meet the Team: Conservation
At the heart of The Piedmont Environmental Council’s efforts to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont is our dedicated conservation team. You’ve likely met some of our conservation staff somewhere in your community (whether you knew it or not!), but few people know the tremendous work they do behind the scenes.
Photos + Event Recap: A Beautiful Day for the Bluebells
On Sunday, Margrete led participants, aged 5 to 90, on a short hike to the banks of Cedar Run to enjoy the stunning bluebells and learn about native plants, habitat restoration, and efforts that protect the cold, clean water of Cedar Run.
Spring Tree Planting Volunteer Opportunities
As spring peepers herald in a new season of tree plantings, we invite you to join in the work of conservation.
Pond Management: A Starter Kit for Healthy Pond Management
Got a pond? Or want one? Here’s a starter kit for how to manage a healthy aquatic ecosystem on your property.
Native Plants for Riparian Buffers – and Your Backyard
If you are looking to maximize the shelter provided to terrestrial wildlife, consider these species:
Invasive Species: Identification and Management
Whether you own a large lot with hundreds of acres or just a small suburban yard, there are steps you can take to reduce the presence of invasives on your property.
Riparian Buffer Planting Assistance Programs
PEC, in cooperation with our excellent partners, offers free planting services, including technical assistance, project design, materials and labor to qualifying landowners in the region, through three location-based programs.
Riparian Buffers: Benefits for Water, Wildlife & People
Riparian buffers are vegetated or forested transitional zones between land and water resources, such as streams, rivers, lakes, ponds or wetlands.
Fall Tree Planting Volunteer Opportunities
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.