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!

Expanding Beef Cattle Profitability in VA’s Northern Piedmont

Posted on September 24, 2013 by Marco Sanchez

Currently:

• Most weaned and backgrounded calves leave the state for fattening in out-of-state feedlots.

• A small percentage of calves are kept as stockers before shipping to out-of-state feedlots.

• Most cow-calf operations take commodity price. Some buyers pay premiums.

• Beef returns as “boxed beef” for retail to metro-consumers. Value/revenue is lost out-of-state.

A small percentage (<10%) of the region’s farms and cattle are conception-to-carcass operations that direct market beef (mostly pasture raised or grass-fed) at a premium to consumers. They process beef (usually one or two at a time) at one of six custom facilities. These producers are seeking additional slaughter and processing capacity.

Pastures in the region are currently underutilized with gains at about 1 lb/day.

Efficiencies in cattle and pasture management, grazing, and transit, processing, even paperwork could increase returns to producers and the region. Processing and sales volumes could greatly increase. Additional acreage would be employed in grazing cattle retained in the region. Total returns to the regional economy would increase.

Fall !

Posted on September 20, 2013July 1, 2021 by Marco Sanchez

This is my kind of weather! Red maples turn their namesake, broad wing hawks and other raptor migrate south, white-tailed deer enter the rut, and so many more fun things. Speaking of deer, here's a copy of a recent article I wrote on deer abundance and wildlife habitat. This text was taken from an email sent out on September 20th, 2013:

Sacrificing History… For What?

Posted on September 19, 2013June 1, 2022 by Marco Sanchez

Often environmentalists are told that we just 'say no' to things. To which I would argue — saying 'no' to a bad idea is a very important part of what we do. But it's not all we do. At The Piedmont Environmental Council we also strive to put forward constructive alternatives. That's why it's so frustrating to see the Virginia Department of Transportation, led by Sean Connaughton, make mega-projects like the Outer Beltway and Charlottesville Bypass its highest priority. Despite great arguments against both projects — fiscal, environmental, common sense arguments — and plenty of alternatives, VDOT is charging ahead. This text is from an email alert sent out on September 19, 2013:

When Mickey Came to Town

Posted on September 18, 2013June 1, 2022 by Katherine Vance

Virginia’s northern Piedmont is a beautiful and vibrant place—boasting of forests, rivers, mountains, farmland, thriving towns, and numerous historic and cultural resources. But all of this came under threat in November 1993, when the The Walt Disney Company made a surprise announcement that they planned to build an American history theme park near what was then the small town of Haymarket, VA—only four miles from Manassas Battlefield.

Expanding the Warrenton Branch Greenway

Posted on September 18, 2013February 1, 2023 by PEC

The Warrenton Branch Greenway is a treasured community resource in Old Town Warrenton. The 1.5 mile-long trail not only provides a great outdoor recreational space, but it is also an important historic resource—as it follows the old Orange and Alexandria Rail-road line that was built in the 1850s. Today, thousands of people use this trail annually to enjoy running, walking and biking.

From the Field: PEC’s Piedmont Memorial Overlook

Posted on September 18, 2013August 14, 2020 by PEC

The first two steps in land management are to assess what condition the land is in and then decide what your goals are. PEC is going through both of these steps at the Piedmont Memorial Overlook—our 50-acre tract that straddles Clarke and Fauquier county.

On the Ground- Fall 2013

Posted on September 18, 2013October 22, 2020 by PEC

There's a lot going on throughout the region, including short stories from Albemarle, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison and Orange.

Transportation Updates

Posted on September 18, 2013September 15, 2020 by PEC

A quick update on the Charlottesville Western Bypass and DC Outer Beltway

Oh Deer!

Posted on September 9, 2013 by Marco Sanchez

Fall is a busy time for wildlife in the Piedmont, particularly for mammals as they rush to prepare for the coming winter – storing food caches, finding mates, and burrowing den sites. During this time, white-tailed deer enter “the rut”: hormones rage, antlers grow, and males seek out females. Historically, it’s this time of year when you’re most likely to see deer, especially as bucks pursue does and the does play coy. Today, however, you are very likely to encounter deer any time of year — not just during the rut.

Loudoun Farm Incubator

Posted on August 13, 2013July 6, 2021 by PEC

The concept of incubators to launch new farm businesses has been developing in the sustainable agriculture community for years. Veteran agriculturalists understand that, much like a successful farm business, a successful farmer incubator requires very particular skills and experience.