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!

Sprucepine Branch

Posted on September 5, 2017October 16, 2020 by PEC

HUNTLY, VA: Recent work at Sprucepine Branch reconnected 2 miles of stream, as a set of culverts were removed from a private driveway, and replaced with a bridge. PEC coordinated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Shenandoah Streamworks on the natural channel design and construction. The work included re-grading stream banks and in-stream structures that restored the natural hydrology of those streams.

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries provided pre and post fish community monitoring.

Stream Health Monitoring

Posted on September 5, 2017August 16, 2023 by PEC

Monitoring water quality, biological populations, and physical features of stream habitat are all vital to understanding stream health.

Restoring Connections – By Eliminating Barriers

Posted on September 5, 2017October 22, 2020 by PEC

Culverts, low-water crossings and linear infrastructure (i.e. pipelines, highways) can serve as disruptions to healthy stream flow.

Charlottesville Area Community Foundation grant to help boost urban greenway work

Posted on August 16, 2017February 1, 2023 by PEC

Through funding from the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, PEC is working in partnership with the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission on a community engagement initiative to build support for implementation of a comprehensive greenway system. Specifically, we will be engaging the community to build a shared vision for greenways among the public sector, nonprofit organizations, and business and civic actors.

Water Demand in Fauquier County

Posted on August 14, 2017July 2, 2021 by Julie Bolthouse

This summer, PEC participated in a Water Information Session organized by the Conservation Roundtable. Other guests include Michael Focazio, Marshall District WSA Board Representative, and Kurt McCoy with USGS. The purpose was to discuss the drinking water challenges facing Fauquier County.

These Hills Were Home

Posted on August 10, 2017July 2, 2021 by Marco Sanchez

A walking history guide to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northern Greene and Western Madison County, Virginia.

DEQ to Hold Series of Public Hearings on ACP & MVP Pipelines

Posted on August 7, 2017July 2, 2021 by Bri West

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is hosting a series of public hearings on the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) and Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP). These public hearings are designed to seek public comment on the DEQ’s proposed water quality permit (401 Certification).

Virginia Farm Winery Study

Posted on August 2, 2017July 2, 2021 by Bri West

Heads up! The VA Dept. of Agriculture is using this survey to gather feedback about the impacts of farm wineries and winery events on neighbors and communities near wineries (e.g. noise & traffic). The deadline to take the survey is August 18, 2017.

Charlottesville Area Community Foundation Invests in Regional Bike and Pedestrian Trail System

Posted on July 12, 2017February 1, 2023 by Marco Sanchez

The Charlottesville Area Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient of its third round of Strengthening Systems grants. Piedmont Environmental Council and the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission received a two-year grant of $179,804 to complete plans and generate active community support for a regional bike and pedestrian trail network and begin implementation.

Two Paths for Loudoun. Weigh In!

Posted on July 10, 2017July 2, 2021 by Marco Sanchez

Dear Supporter,
Loudoun County is continuing the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan, which guides all future growth and development in the County.
After sitting through the Envision Loudoun public workshops and participating in the Comprehensive Plan Stakeholder Committee, I see two possible paths taking shape.