In October, volunteers helped plant 3.5 acres of trees to protect the Goose Creek Watershed.
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!
Halloween Bike Ride Tours Spooky Cville
There were thrills and chills at the Halloween Social Bike Ride in Charlottesville on the evening of October 28, 2021. About two dozen riders, most of them in costumes, gathered at Peloton Station and rode a relaxed, six-mile route through Charlottesville neighborhoods and the University of Virginia grounds.
New monument to honor United States Colored Troops and African American contributions in Culpeper County
While a national reckoning with the impacts of long-standing Confederate symbolism has brought about the sweeping removal of many Civil War statues across the commonwealth, at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6, just ahead of Veteran’s Day, a new Civil War monument will rise up in Culpeper County, Virginia. Along Madden’s Tavern Road near the once-booming crossroads of Routes 610 and 724, this granite obelisk will memorialize the ultimate sacrifice of three veterans, United States Colored Troops (USCT) who were captured and executed by 9th Virginia Cavalry troops just 300 yards away on May 8, 1864.
Webinar: Biophilic Cities – Design for Planetary Health and Human Flourishing
On October 22, 2021, we held a webinar about biophilic cities featuring Professor Tim Beatley from the University of Virginia.
Fall’s Favorite Fruit: Persimmon
While walking outside this afternoon, I noticed the tree branches along my fence row were uncharacteristically low. A quick walk over revealed that our persimmon trees are producing fruit, and a lot of it!
Learn About the Proposed Rapidan River – Clark Mountain Rural Historic District
On Thursday, Nov. 4 at 5:30 p.m., PEC hosted a virtual community meeting to learn about the proposed Rapidan River – Clark Mountain Rural Historic District and our work to get it listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places.
49th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act was passed the same year the Piedmont Environmental Council was founded, in 1972. The landmark law provides a set of broad goals, national minimum standards and processes to move toward improved water quality. Today on its 49th anniversary, we want to reflect on the way much of our conservation work comes back to water.
Webinar: Sustainable Landscaping Workshop
On October 8, 2021, we held a webinar about the importance of using native plants in our landscapes.
Ways to Support Grassland Birds
There are several things that you can do around your landscape that will have a positive impact on our region’s grassland birds, both migratory and resident, as well as improve biodiversity.
Falling into Autumn
The leaves are of particular interest to me, especially before they drop and are a fusion of colors. While a pigment change seems simple, there is quite a bit of biology and chemistry at work that ensures autumn’s vibrant palette.