BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//The Piedmont Environmental Council - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:The Piedmont Environmental Council X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.pecva.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Piedmont Environmental Council REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260420T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260420T200000 DTSTAMP:20260416T164232 CREATED:20260325T143831Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T193504Z UID:10001298-1776709800-1776715200@www.pecva.org SUMMARY:Loudoun Coalition Groundwater Community Meeting - Middleburg DESCRIPTION:In rural Loudoun\, property values\, businesses\, and living standards depend on reliable access to groundwater. But a recent study revealed a concerning trend in our local water supply. Since 2000\, water tables in many areas have dropped 10-40 feet. With the number of active wells nearly doubling since 1990—now totaling 19\,000—90% of our wells are within 550 feet of a neighbor’s. \n\n\n\nWe cannot simply “plug in” to a central system; hooking rural Loudoun to public water would cost billions and force rapid\, unwanted urbanization. The county needs to do more to ensure wells don’t go dry. \n\n\n\nJoin neighbors and friends at our upcoming community meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday\, April 20 at Middleburg American Legion to learn more and get involved in protecting groundwater resources in Loudoun County. \n\n\n\nMultiple dates/locations\n\n\n\nThere are three dates and locations for this series of community meetings. Click “RSVP” below to register for the one you would like to attend. \n\n\n\n\nApril 6 @ Woodgrove High School\n\n\n\nApril 13 @ Lucketts Community Center\n\n\n\nApril 20 @ Middleburg American Legion\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis event is hosted by the Loudoun County Preservation and Conservation Coalition in partnership with Loudoun’s Future\, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy\, The Piedmont Environmental Council and Save Rural Loudoun. \n\n\n\nQuestions? Contact Gem Bingol at gbingol@pecva.org. URL:https://www.pecva.org/event/loudoun-groundwater-community-meetings-middleburg/ LOCATION:Virginia ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/Groundwater-community-meeting-Eventbrite-all-meetings-web-banner-1200px.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T153000 DTSTAMP:20260416T164232 CREATED:20260325T161133Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T161205Z UID:10001299-1776848400-1776871800@www.pecva.org SUMMARY:Earth Day Cleanup & Tree Planting at Clermont Farm DESCRIPTION:You are invited to roll up your sleeves with The Piedmont Environmental Council and Clermont Farm Foundation on Earth Day – Wednesday\, April 22.  Together\, we will take time to steward a riparian buffer previously established by Plantings for the Piedmont.  Volunteers are needed to help conduct maintenance activities to support native trees and shrubs along Dog Run to enhance water quality and wildlife habitat. \n\n\n\nFind out more and sign up to volunteer. URL:https://www.pecva.org/event/earth-day-cleanup-tree-planting-at-clermont-farm/ LOCATION:Clermont Farm\, 151 Clermont Ln.\, Berryville\, Virginia\, 22611\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/shenandoah_river_clarke_county_june_2020_credit_hugh_kenny_1200x.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ellie Young":MAILTO:eyoung@pecva.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T130000 DTSTAMP:20260416T164232 CREATED:20260330T200328Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T211948Z UID:10001283-1776850200-1776862800@www.pecva.org SUMMARY:Solar for the Ag Community: An Agrivoltaics Workshop DESCRIPTION:Virginia’s first crop-based agrivoltaics project at PEC’s Community Farm in Aldie. Credit Hugh Kenny/PEC.\n\n\n\nDiscover how you can integrate small-scale solar and battery backup into your farming operation with a tour of PEC’s agrivoltaics project. \n\n\n\nAgrivoltaics\, which combines agricultural and solar production on the same plot of land\, can support farmers by giving them energy independence\, protecting them from rising utility bills\, and diversifying their revenue streams while still keeping land in production. \n\n\n\nJoin fellow farmers\, ag producers and landowners for this hands-on interactive workshop to learn more. \n\n\n\nThis event is free\, but registration is required. Lunch will be provided. Learn more → \n\n\n\nAgrivoltaics\n\n\n\nAgrivoltaics\, or growing crops and producing energy using solar panels on the same plot of land\, can support farmers by giving them energy independence (especially when battery backup is added)\, protecting them from rising utility bills\, diversifying their revenue streams through net metering (i.e. getting $ for energy sent back to the grid)\, and allowing them to produce energy while keeping land in production. \n\n\n\nEvent Highlights\n\n\n\n\nAgrivoltaics 101: Get a grounded introduction to how solar panels can coexist with crops and livestock\, while providing energy independence and cost savings.\n\n\n\nSite Tour: Walk through PEC’s Community Farm for an exclusive tour of Virginia’s first crop-based agrivoltaics project (solar panels\, crops\, and full battery backup) installed in 2025. See the technology in action and discuss the real-world logistics of installation and maintenance.\n\n\n\nSolar “Speed Dating”: Back by popular demand! We are adapting our successful “conservation speed dating” format to help you get moving on your specific goals. You’ll have the opportunity to rotate through tables with:\n\nSolar Installers: To talk site viability\, hardware\, technical requirements\, and site viability specific to your property.\n\n\n\nFinance Professionals: To explore grants and financing options.\n\n\n\nPEC Staff: Speak with the project developers and agricultural leads of the demonstration project.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLearn more and Register → URL:https://www.pecva.org/event/solar-for-the-ag-community-an-agrivoltaics-workshop/ LOCATION:Virginia ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/agrivoltaics_ribbon_cutting_community_farm_roundabout_meadows_loudoun_10-17-25_credit_hugh_kenny_pec-113-1200x.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260423T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260423T190000 DTSTAMP:20260416T164232 CREATED:20260406T184059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260406T184109Z UID:10001301-1776963600-1776970800@www.pecva.org SUMMARY:Going Wild in Argentina: Parks\, Wildlife\, and Local Economies DESCRIPTION:Join the National Sporting Library & Museum for a cocktail reception followed by an illuminating discussion led by Sebastian di Martino\, conservation director of the Rewilding Argentina Foundation. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHe will focus on the work Rewilding Argentina is doing to create\, restore\, and complete functional ecosystems in natural parks. This work includes reintroducing big carnivores and herbivores\, which build new\, thriving local economies that respect and benefit from nature. These efforts also improve nature’s well-being\, using the jaguar as a symbol of this process. Di Martino will also describe ‘The Jaguar Rivers Initiative\,’ a bold and urgent continental effort dedicated to restoring\, protecting\, and connecting ecosystems in the heart of South America. \n\n\n\nBuilding on Rewilding Argentina’s efforts\, Di Martino will explain their plans to scale up this model\, including other regions of Argentina and South America. This program is generously underwritten by The Sacharuna Foundation. \n\n\n\nThis event is free but registration is required. Register on the NSLM website → URL:https://www.pecva.org/event/going-wild-in-argentina-parks-wildlife-and-local-economies/ LOCATION:National Sporting Library & Museum\, 102 The Plains Rd\, Middleburg\, Virginia\, 20117\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260424T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260424T120000 DTSTAMP:20260416T164232 CREATED:20260318T140732Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T135006Z UID:10001282-1777021200-1777032000@www.pecva.org SUMMARY:Guided Hike to the Piedmont Memorial Overlook DESCRIPTION:A group taking in the view at PEC’s Piedmont Memorial Overlook property in Paris\, VA. Credit Hugh Kenny/PEC.\n\n\n\nCelebrate Earth Week and Arbor Day with a guided hike to a Treasured View! Join staff from The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) in partnership with Sky Meadows State Park for an unforgettable outdoor experience. \n\n\n\nThis guided hike to the Piedmont Memorial Overlook\, recently recognized as a “Treasured View” by Scenic Virginia\, will honor strategic partnerships in the outdoors with both park rangers and PEC staff as your guides. \n\n\n\nThis will be a strenuous hike of approximately 3 miles round trip\, with an elevation gain of 600 feet over the 1.5-mile ascent to the overlook. \n\n\n\n\nLearn more and register\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Overlook\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Piedmont Memorial Overlook sits within a large block of privately and publicly protected land along the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a patchwork of forest\, livestock pasture\, and mountainous fields that was actively farmed and heavily grazed by cattle from the late 18th century until the recent past. \n\n\n\nIn 2012\, with funding from the USDA\, PEC began an extensive restoration effort on the 50-acre parcel. We first eliminated fescue and other non-native plants from the pasture and then seeded native grasses and wildflowers. The property now serves as an active demonstration site for landowners interested in seeing the outcomes of habitat restoration practices.  \n\n\n\nThe 16-acre native meadow is home to songbirds\, butterflies\, raptors\, bees and black bears. Native wildflower species provide forage for pollinators and habitat for grassland and shrubland birds. PEC manages the meadow using prescribed fire\, late winter mowing and invasive species monitoring.  URL:https://www.pecva.org/event/guided-hike-to-the-piedmont-memorial-overlook/ LOCATION:Sky Meadows State Park\, 11012 Edmonds Ln\, Delaplane\, Virginia\, 20144\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/piedmont_memorial_overlook_meadow_walk_7-18-25_credit_hugh_kenny-28-1200x.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260424T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260424T190000 DTSTAMP:20260416T164232 CREATED:20260313T004308Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260313T004317Z UID:10001281-1777046400-1777057200@www.pecva.org SUMMARY:Arbor Day Tree Planting & Picnic at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve DESCRIPTION:Bring the family out to Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve in Loudoun County for a special Arbor Day event honoring Virginia’s 250th anniversary with the planting of a commemorative Liberty Tree – the first of its kind in the state of Virginia! \n\n\n\nStay afterward for a family-friendly picnic on the lawn with plenty of fun for all ages! \n\n\n\nThis event is part of the VA250 statewide celebration. No registration required. \n\n\n\nLearn more → \n\n\n\nWhat is a Liberty Tree?The Liberty Tree was a powerful symbol of colonial resistance in the American Revolution\, originating as a specific elm tree in Boston used by the Sons of Liberty for protests against British rule\, most famously against the Stamp Act. This historic tree became a beacon of hope to colonists and a symbol of American freedom. In an attempt to stymie these colonists\, the British destroyed Boston’s Liberty Tree. Suddenly\, patriots throughout the 13 colonies began to designate new Liberty Trees. Today\, planting a dedicated Liberty Tree promotes the value and benefits of trees to current and future generations while informing\, educating and inspiring youth with stories of their connection to historic “legacy” trees. URL:https://www.pecva.org/event/arbor-day-tree-planting-picnic-at-banshee-reeks-nature-preserve/ LOCATION:Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve\, 21085 The Woods Rd\, Leesburg\, Virginia\, 20186\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260425T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260425T153000 DTSTAMP:20260416T164232 CREATED:20260415T211010Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T213250Z UID:10001309-1777111200-1777131000@www.pecva.org SUMMARY:Native Tree Giveaway at Gilberts Corner Market DESCRIPTION:Come to the Gilberts Corner Farmers Market Saturday\, April 25 or May 16 and take home a free native tree\, courtesy of the Piedmont Environmental Council! Free growing advice with every tree! \n\n\n\nThis giveaway is made possible in part thanks to support from friends of the Rappahannock and the Rappahannock Conservation Nursery. Funding for this giveaway comes from the Virginia Department of Forestry’s Trees for Clean Water Grant. \n\n\n\nCommunity participation is welcome! We could use some helping hands to join us at this event. Find out more and sign up here. \n\n\n\nQuestions? Contact Ellie Young at eyoung@pecva.org. URL:https://www.pecva.org/event/native-tree-giveaway-at-gilberts-corner-market-2/ LOCATION:Gilberts Corner Farmers Market\, 39950 Little River Turnpike\, Aldie\, Virginia\, 20105 ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/tree-giveaway-gilberts-corner-farmers-market-may-2025-credit-marco-sanchez-05359-1200x.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260426T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260426T120000 DTSTAMP:20260416T164232 CREATED:20260302T160507Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T195603Z UID:10001276-1777197600-1777204800@www.pecva.org SUMMARY:Bobolink Bird Walk at Whisper Hill Farm DESCRIPTION:Join The Piedmont Environmental Council and Piedmont Virginia Bird Club\, for a morning birding walk through Whisper Hill Farm. This time of year\, we’ll likely be able to witness the bobolink\, a rarely-seen grassland bird\, as they pass through Whisper Hill Farm on their migration to Northern Virginia for nesting. \n\n\n\nThis is a great opportunity to become acquainted with grassland birds of all kinds and learn what we can all do to protect them. \n\n\n\nAll are welcome. The ~1 mile walk will traverse flat terrain\, with occasional uneven ground through the fields of active farmland. Participants should be comfortable moving at a slow pace and stopping frequently to watch birds. The property is accessible by a well-maintained gravel road. \n\n\n\nMake sure to bring water\, comfortable close-toed shoes and binoculars (if you have them)! \n\n\n\nThis event is free\, but registration is required. URL:https://www.pecva.org/event/bobolink-bird-walk-at-whisper-hill-farm/ LOCATION:Whisper Hill Farm\, 7127 Maple Hill Farm\, Scottsville\, Virginia\, 24590 ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/Bird_Walk_PEC_Fellows_2022_Volgenau_Property_Fauquier_credit_hugh_kenny_PEC-57-of-58.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260429T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260429T110000 DTSTAMP:20260416T164232 CREATED:20260409T143555Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T143605Z UID:10001304-1777456800-1777460400@www.pecva.org SUMMARY:Solarize Virginia Webinar Series DESCRIPTION:Thinking about going solar but not sure where to start? Join Solarize Virginia for a free informative and practical webinar designed to help homeowners and businesses understand the solar landscape in 2026. In this session\, we’ll break down what’s shaping solar energy today. You’ll learn how solar works\, what it costs\, how financing options have evolved\, and what to expect from installation to long-term savings. \n\n\n\nWhether you’re just beginning to explore solar or ready to take the next step\, this webinar will give you the tools and confidence to make an informed decision. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions and connect with trusted local resources. We hope to see you there! \n\n\n\nSolarize Virginia is a collaboration between the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP)\, nonprofit organizations like PEC\, and municipalities throughout Virginia. URL:https://www.pecva.org/event/solarize-virginia-webinar-series-10/ LOCATION:Virginia ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/Solarize-2026-event-web-banner-1000px.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260429T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260429T200000 DTSTAMP:20260416T164232 CREATED:20260313T011152Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260313T011200Z UID:10001284-1777482000-1777492800@www.pecva.org SUMMARY:Loudoun Student Environmental Action Showcase DESCRIPTION:The Loudoun Student Environmental Action Showcase (SEAS) is an annual event where individual students\, green/eco-action teams\, environmental clubs and youth groups are invited to inspire their community by sharing their work on reducing waste\, conserving energy\, conducting citizen science\, improving water quality\, preserving natural habitat and other sustainability-minded projects in their schools and communities.  \n\n\n\nSEAS is a place to express your environmental connection!​  The purpose of Loudoun SEAS is to amplify youth voices in environmental problem solving by showcasing to a real-world audience how students have meaningfully contributed to environmental stewardship in Loudoun County.​ \n\n\n\nParticipation is open to all K-12 students in Loudoun County representing public and private schools\, homeschoolers and members of community-based youth organizations such as 4-H clubs and Scout troops. Community partners provide hands-on learning activities and showcase career and volunteer opportunities. \n\n\n\nLearn more → URL:https://www.pecva.org/event/loudoun-student-environmental-action-showcase/ LOCATION:Academies of Loudoun\, 42075 Loudoun Academy Dr\, Leesburg\, Virginia\, 20175\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260430T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260430T173000 DTSTAMP:20260416T164232 CREATED:20260312T194702Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260317T204828Z UID:10001280-1777564800-1777570200@www.pecva.org SUMMARY:Birding Walk at Roundabout Meadows DESCRIPTION:Join PEC and the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance for a guided birding walk through the Roundabout Meadows pastures and meadows. Possible sightings may include eastern meadowlarks\, field sparrows\, indigo buntings\, plus a variety of other grassland and shrubland species. \n\n\n\nThe walk will cover approximately 1.3 miles through rolling pastures and across a small creek\, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear and clothing for longer grass and uneven terrain. Participants should bring their own binoculars. This event is free but registration is required. URL:https://www.pecva.org/event/birding-walk-at-roundabout-meadows-6/ LOCATION:Mt. Zion Historic Park\, 40309 Little River Turnpike\, Aldie\, Virginia\, 20105 ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/3mb_Bird_Walk_PEC_Fellows_2022_Volgenau_Property_Fauquier_credit_hugh_kenny_PEC-36-of-58-scaled.webp END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR