On the evening of March 10, 2016 more than 150 individuals attended a forum in eastern Loudoun focused on improving landscaping practices for stream health, water quality and the environment. Hosted by The Piedmont Environmental Council in partnership with Loudoun County, Common Space for the Greater Good presented solutions for Home Owners Associations and residents to restore streams, reduce pollution and attract birds, bees and butterflies – and provided real-life examples that have been adopted by many communities in Loudoun and elsewhere.
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!
March 2016: Update on the Remington-Gordonsville transmission proposal
An update in regards to the 230-kV transmission line proposed between Gordonsville and Remington. The process before the state has begun and we wanted to make sure you know about some important upcoming meetings.
Good News for the Brook Trout
We’re continuing our efforts to increase the habitat available to the eastern brook trout and other fish species with two pilot culvert removal projects…
Larval Host Plants of Selected Lepidoptera (e.g. Butterflies, Moths, Skippers) in Virginia
This list of larval host plants for common Virginia butterfly species was compiled by Bob Glennon and David Bryan, NRCS Private Lands Biologists, and Celia Vuocolo, PEC’s Habitat and Stewardship Specialist:
Trees Planted, Smiling Faces
In partnership with Sugarland Run HOA, the Broadlands HOA, the Red Cedar HOA and Loudoun County Government, we’ve finished planting 3.26+ acres, 968 native trees and shrubs, in three Loudoun Communities.
Thank you to our wonderful volunteers and involved communities for helping Loudoun streams, our local environment and the Chesapeake Bay! Thanks also to grants from The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Fairfax Water, and generous in-kind support by Heritage Landscape Services, LLC and Premier Turf and Landscaping.
11/20/15: Update on Warrenton-Wheeler Transmission Line Case
For those of you following the Warrenton-Wheeler transmission line, we have some good news. The Hearing Examiner has recommend the “C” route, which was Dominion’s (and our) preferred route, and the route that required the smallest amount of new right-of-way.
The hearing examiner turned down the SCC staff route recommendation, known as “Option A” which would have required a line straight across undeveloped parts of Fauquier County.
Great quote: “This attempt fails because its witness makes assertions unsupported by knowledge or analysis”.
We’ve posted the Examiner’s full report – Part I and Part II.
Buy Fresh Buy Local Holiday Guides
Our 2015 Buy Fresh Buy Local Holiday Guides are ready to download. The guide features businesses that produce locally grown Christmas trees & decorations and holiday foods (produce, meat, dairy, eggs and specialty foods) in the Charlottesville and Northern Piedmont Area! To search for more local food, visit buylocalvirginia.org.
A Trail of History
Walking downhill through the open meadow, one gets a sense of liberty that comes when exploring this tranquil, rural place. At the bottom of the hill, there’s an historic log structure, which provides a glimpse into the property’s past. Once the pathway leads into the forest, you begin ascending the mountain to find spectacular views of the Blue Ridge.
Look at All the Stars!
A few weeks ago, friends from D.C. were visiting for the weekend. As the evening wore on, we found ourselves outside discussing current events, the latest gossip, and our plans for the fall—when, inevitably, eyes turned toward the sky, and I heard something I often hear from friends visiting, “Wow! Look at all the stars.”
10/1/15: Update on Warrenton-Wheeler Transmission Line Case
Following a two day evidentiary hearing in Richmond in August 2015 and one final public hearing was held in Warrenton on August 10, 2015, the Warrenton to Wheeler transmission line case is slowly moving towards resolution.