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!

Cycling for Sustainable Cities

Posted on April 13, 2021April 30, 2021 by Peter Krebs

Join PEC and partners on May 7, 2021 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm for Cycling for Sustainable Cities: A Presentation + Discussion with Ralph Buehler & John Pucher.

Celebrate Bike Month (May, 2021) with some inspiring stories about how to make cycling safer for everyone! Researchers Ralph Buehler & John Pucher will talk about their new book, Cycling for Sustainable Cities (MIT Press), which describes ways to make city cycling safe, practical, and convenient for all ages and abilities. They will include trends and policies, and share examples from across America and around the world–with cases similar to our own communities.

Find out more and register!

New Virginia Scenic River Signs Unveiled along Moormans River

Posted on April 6, 2021April 12, 2021 by Cindy Sabato

On Monday, April 5, community members joined with Piedmont Environmental Council staff members under clear blue skies and warm sunshine to unveil new Virginia State Scenic River signs along the Moormans River in Albemarle County.

Webinar: Quarterly Keynote Feat. DC Central Kitchen CEO Mike Curtin

Posted on March 31, 2021November 19, 2021 by PEC

In March 2021, PEC hosted its first ever Quarterly Keynote with Mike Curtin from DC Central Kitchen.

A Community Forest Grows (and Expands) on the Edge of Charlottesville

Posted on March 29, 2021June 14, 2021 by Peter Krebs

Since the advent of Covid-19, Charlottesville area greenways and open spaces have seen unprecedented visitorship as people have gravitated to the outdoors in search of the physical and emotional benefits of nature and fresh air. That’s why the creation of the new Heyward Community Forest is so timely.

Spring Update from the Community Farm

Posted on March 25, 2021August 30, 2021 by Hugh Kenny

Our third season is underway with more than 12,000 seedlings in the greenhouse.

Go Native Webinar + Resources

Posted on March 25, 2021February 1, 2023 by Celia Vuocolo

On March 11, 2021, the National Sporting Library & Museum held a public webinar with staff from PEC about the importance of using native plants in our landscapes.

A Win for Goose Creek

Posted on March 24, 2021March 25, 2021 by Gem Bingol

The Loudoun Board of Supervisors voted to reject an intensive development proposal along Goose Creek, reversing a decision from earlier in the month. It’s a win for the public, the creek and drinking water protection!

Pen Druid Tree Planting

Posted on March 22, 2021February 11, 2022 by Hugh Kenny

Part of a collective effort to get native trees and shrubs planted in riparian zones in headwater counties of the Rappahannock River Watershed.

Important Comp Plan Chapters Up for Discussion in Greene

Posted on March 15, 2021March 18, 2021 by Adam Gillenwater

I hope this finds you well and looking forward to a fast-approaching spring! As we move deeper into 2021, I am writing to highlight another opportunity to learn about and engage with the ongoing review of Greene County’s comprehensive plan.

As I wrote earlier this year, Greene County is currently undertaking a review of its comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan is a critically important document that represents the community’s vision for its future and guides all decisions and regulations regarding growth and development.

On the Ground Updates – March 2020

Posted on March 13, 2021April 15, 2021 by Bri West

A series of short updates from around the PEC region – Albemarle & Charlottesville, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange & Rappahannock.