Free Conservation Lecture Series at the Culpeper County Library

Join local environmental nonprofits The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) and Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) from 7-8 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month for a free lecture at the Culpeper County Library (Meeting Room, 271 Southgate Shopping Center, Culpeper, VA 22701).

Please register by Culpeper County Library at 540-825-8691 or email [email protected].

May 9 – Data Centers in Virginia 

Join Sarah Parmelee of The Piedmont Environmental Council to learn about data centers, what they are and what they mean for Culpeper and Virginia. The Commonwealth is already home to the largest and fastest-growing data center market in the world. However, a glut of new data centers are either under construction or approved all over Virginia, including Culpeper. This unchecked growth carries an insatiable demand for massive energy upgrades, extensive acreage, and tremendous water intake, jeopardizing the state’s efforts to meet its climate goals, improve air and water quality, advance land conservation, and protect national and state parks.

June 13 – Expanding River Access

Join Michael Shaw, River Steward at Friends of the Rappahannock, to learn about ongoing efforts to expand river access in our communities and how you can explore your local waterways.

July 11 – Solar for Your Home

Join Ashish Kapoor, The Piedmont Environmental Council’s Senior Energy & Climate Advisor, to learn about rooftop solar options for homeowners looking to save money, reduce their carbon footprint and gain energy independence. 

August 8 – Bringing Back Grassland Birds

(this event was canceled due to weather) Join October Greenfield, The Piedmont Environmental Council’s in-house ornithologist and habitat specialist, to learn about local efforts by the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative to restore grassland habitat for the benefit of birds and farms across the Virginia Piedmont, Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Valley.

September 12 – Conserving Forests for Climate

Join Bryan Hofmann, Deputy Director at Friends of the Rappahannock for an informational talk about Rappahannock Carbon. This new program aims to help landowners in the Rappahannock River Region protect and enhance their forests, working landscapes and urban tree canopy through carbon market resources and other conservation programs. 

October 10 – Tree Planting Programs

Join Sarah Dishman, Urban and Community Forestry Specialist, to learn how Friends of the Rappahannock supports landowners interested in planting trees on their property. Gain information on choosing the right tree for your property incentive programs available within the community.