Despite some rainy weather, nearly 250 people visited the McAllister Home as part of an event that celebrated Albemarle’s Mountain Heritage. Bob and Carroll Gilges, who own the building and surrounding land, graciously opened their property to the community for the event. PEC sponsored and organized the celebration with help from Doug Decker, Phil James, and Larry and Debbie Lamb, who had family connections to Sugar Hollow and throughout Albemarle County.
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!
Proposed Natural Gas Line
This May we received word that landowners had begun receiving notices from Spectra Energy, referencing a proposal for a new natural gas pipeline through Virginia.
Making Progress at the Piedmont Overlook
It’s been busy at the Overlook these past few months! PEC is in the final year of a cost-share agreement with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to improve the property’s habitat and increase its biodiversity. The marquee part of this grant is the creation of a 17-acre native grass and wildflower meadow on land that was formerly a pasture dominated by tall fescue.
Community Meetings re: Spectra Gas Pipeline Proposal
As many are aware, Spectra Energy has announced a proposal for a new natural gas pipeline through the Piedmont. To share what we know, as well as hear from potentially impacted residents, we will be hosting a series of community meetings. The meetings will take place in Rappahannock, Culpeper and Orange.
Maps of the Spectra Energy Gas Pipeline Proposal
Spectra Energy has announced plans for a gas transmission pipeline through Virginia. The map Spectra has released is not very detailed. However, we have used their map as a starting point for more detailed maps.
Email Alert: New Gas Pipeline Proposed Through Virginia
We have received word that landowners throughout the Piedmont had begun receiving notices from Spectra Energy, referencing a proposal for a new natural gas pipeline through Virginia. Spectra is distributing a map and a fact sheet in the mail. Find out more.
Lee’s Orchard
Lee’s Orchard sits about 10 miles east of Shenandoah National Park in Rappahannock County, surrounded by beautiful vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The apple orchard is undoubtedly intertwined with the history of the community – it’s been in Bryant Lee’s family for 5 generations.
The Whole Ox
'Know your farmer' is a popular phrase these days, but Derek and Amanda Luhowiak, owners of The Whole Ox Butcher Shop in The Plains, think people should get to know their butcher as well. Amanda, a native of Fauquier County, explains..
Farmstead Ferments & New Moon Naturals
Sitting less than 100 yards from gardens and a variety of fruit trees on a farm in Charlottesville, I met with Dawn Story, founder of New Moon Naturals and Farmstead Ferments. Story tells me that she grew up in the Virginia Piedmont, and she was raised by a family who appreciated nature and a healthy diet.
Market Table Bistro
Opening a restaurant like Market Table Bistro was always a dream for Rebecca Dudley and Jason Lage, both of whom went to culinary school and later met while working at Lansdowne Resort. They each grew up in rural locations where farm to table wasn’t a trend as much as it was a way of life. Lage’s mother and grandmother cooked with primarily locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, and that’s a concept he has always wanted to bring to his own business.