Fauquier County

PEC works to help citizens in Fauquier build better communities and protect cherished resources–scenic views, working farms, historic heritage, clean water, and healthy air. 

map showing pec's 9-county region, green areas that are conserved, orange areas with new easements

Conservation in 2021 bring regional conserved land totals to 25 percent

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In 2021, private landowners partnered with various land trusts and conservation agencies to permanently protect an additional 6,474 acres of land in Albemarle, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock counties ...
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Warrenton Seeks Massive Boundary Line Adjustment

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In December 2021, Fauquier County released maps of an area the Town of Warrenton proposed for addition to the Town in closed session discussions. These maps reveal that the Town of Warrenton seeks to expand its boundaries by 1,750 acres—a ...
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two young people sitting on rocks looking at a valley of blue mountains during the summertime

Planning for the Future

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We have accomplished a lot together over the 50 years of PEC’s history. With 2022 on the horizon, we have begun work on an updated strategic plan to guide our efforts in the coming years. What will the Piedmont look ...
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a poster for the event and a copy of Saving Us sits on top of a wine barrel

Climate Scientist Katharine Hayhoe Shares Hope for the Holidays

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Over 70 people, from Fairfax to Winchester, gathered at the Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery in Delaplane on Saturday, Dec. 18 to hear from Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, renowned climate scientist and author of the recently published book Saving Us ...
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Cyclist on Warrenton Branch Greenway

NEW Warrenton Branch Greenway Extension!

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The Warrenton Branch Greenway is a paved pedestrian and bike trail used and loved by Fauquier County residents for decades. Earlier this fall, a new extension opened to nearly double the Greenway’s length to 2.2 miles! ...
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an aerial image of snowy mountains and fields in Rappahannock County

A Few Highlights From 2021

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Despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and a global economic slowdown, 2021 proved to be a year of new opportunity here at The Piedmont Environmental Council ...
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aerial view of an open-face dirt hills of an open pit gold mining, with green/brown tinted retention ponds and construction vehicles.

Metal mining in Virginia risks public and environmental health

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Gold mining historically occurred throughout Virginia in the gold-pyrite belt, including substantial operations across the PEC region in Orange, Culpeper and Fauquier counties. Now, half a century since metals were last mined commercially, the threat has resurfaced ...
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Your Support is Doubled for Giving Tuesday

Your Support is Doubled for Giving Tuesday

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Giving Tuesday is a global movement dedicated to giving back to organizations and causes you care about. Today on November 30, your donation will go twice as far thanks to the generosity of a longtime supporter who is offering a ...
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photo contest finalists 2021

2021 Photo Contest

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we need your help to select the winners! Voting is easy — first, check out all the photos in the slideshow! Then, use the form to select your favorite finalist from each of our categories: Beautiful Landscapes, Native Plants and ...
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sprawl cartoon

National Parks, Rural Prince William Under Threat

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As PEC's deputy director of land use, I am writing to let you know about several local issues that have both regional and national implications. Put simply, the rural area of Prince William County, also known as the “Rural Crescent,” ...
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