In 2021, the Holdens partnered with The Piedmont Environmental Council to permanently conserve their rolling 35-acre farm just south of the historic Quaker village of Lincoln.
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!
In the City or the Country—Public Access to Nature Matters
As the pandemic drove many Piedmont residents to seek respite and renewal in natural areas, parks, and trails like never before, it made one thing abundantly clear; we need more, well-distributed public access to parks and green spaces all throughout the region.
Video: Prescribed Burn at the Piedmont Memorial Overlook
As part of our habitat management efforts at the Piedmont Memorial Overlook near Sky Meadows State Park, the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) conducted a prescribed burn on four acres of our native warm-season grass meadow.
Second Active Mobility Summit Celebrates Collective Action and Launches New Initiatives
On February 28, representatives from organizations, local businesses, agencies and passionate individuals who share a mission to promote walking, biking, running, everyday access to nature and active lifestyles gathered for a free, half-day workshop to identify areas of collaboration and lay out work plans. About 30 people joined the Zoom-based meeting to check in with one another about collective work started at last year’s first virtual Mobility Active Summit.
2022-2024 Virginia Budget Priorities
The 2022-2024 biennium budget is an opportunity to make historic investments in the preservation and enjoyment of Virginia’s natural lands.
Update on the James-Brown Cemetery in Madison County
PEC hired an archaeological firm to undertake a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey of the James-Brown Cemetary in Madison County.
HB 206 – Getting Solar Siting Right
HB 206 was a bipartisan bill to improve the utility-scale solar permitting process in Virginia.
St. John School – Rosenwald Funded
St. John School in Albemarle County was one of thousands of Rosenwald-funded schools built and operated for the purpose of educating Black children across the rural South during segregation.
Rivanna River Pedestrian Bridge at Woolen Mills: A Historic Opportunity
Two options are being considered for a pedestrian crossing over the Rivanna River near Woolen Mills.
Headwater Stream Initiative
The Headwater Stream Initiative is a joint project of The Piedmont Environmental Council and Friends of the Rappahannock.