PEC works to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. The following highlights reflect our work in 2023.
Working Farms & Food
Farmland and forests produce the necessities of life and provide essential natural services. In PEC’s nine county area, over 180,000 acres of farmland and 140,000 acres of forests are protected through private, voluntary land conservation.
Resources from our Solar on the Farm workshop – November 14, 2023
On November 14, 2023, PEC hosted a workshop called “Solar on the Farm: Improving Your Ag Operation with On-site Energy.”
Community Farm Specialist
PEC is seeking to hire a Community Farm Specialist to support operations at the Community Farm a Roundabout Meadows in Loudoun County, VA.
Working With Farmers to Protect Our Waterways
Agriculture is Virginia’s largest industry by many metrics. It also represents the largest source of nutrient and sediment pollution reaching Virginia’s local streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay. Fortunately, addressing these pollution loads offers an opportunity to improve the Commonwealth’s natural resources while also enhancing working farms and forests.
Sources of Conservation Funding Workshop Resources
If you were unable to attend our recent Sources of Conservation Funding Workshop and Social at Powers Farm & Brewery in Midland, VA, PEC and our fantastic conservation partners are here to help you explore your conservation options.
Farming for the Future
Planted, literally and not accidentally, at the edge of rural and suburban Loudoun County, PEC’s Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows plays many important roles.
Virginia’s Land Preservation Tax Credit hits a milestone
In late April, at the Virginia Land Conservation and Greenways conference in Harrisonburg, Senator Hanger proudly announced the permanent protection of over 1 million acres of land as a direct result of the LPTC.
Summer 2023 Piedmont View
The summer 2023 edition of the Piedmont View features articles about the PEC’s new strategic plan, an interview with PEC’s Senior Energy and Climate Policy Analyst Ashish Kapoor, the Land Preservation Tax Credit reaching 1 million acres conserved, ‘On the Ground’ reports from across the region, upcoming events, and more!
Growing healthy food and engaging volunteers at Roundabout Meadows
During the past nine years, PEC has been managing our lands at Roundabout Meadows near Gilberts Corner to restore its soils and streams, connect residents to agriculture and promote the Piedmont’s rural economy. Our efforts continued to blossom in 2022 at the Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows.
Leading on Local Food
In light of the struggles over the last few years, PEC has doubled down on work to support a sustainable and resilient local food system in four key ways.