Restoring Wildlife Habitat

Whether you live in urban, suburban or rural areas, you can make a positive impact on native plants and wildlife. Help us boost biodiversity, productivity and environmental quality across the Piedmont.

graphic with native flowers and bees with text that says "sustainable landscaping webinar"

Webinar: Sustainable Landscaping Workshop

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On October 8, 2021, we held a webinar about the importance of using native plants in our landscapes. We were joined by a panel of speakers from The Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Chesapeake Stormwater Network ...
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a bobolink eating an insect in a field of purple and yellow wildflowers

Ways to Support Grassland Birds

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A bobolink eating an insect. Credit: October Greenfield/PEC Earlier this year, Smithsonian’s Virginia Working Landscapes and The Piedmont Environmental Council launched the Piedmont Grassland Bird Initiative (PGBI), an effort to stem the decline of grassland bird species. With most of ...
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Avoiding Invasive Species: Call Upon Your HOA

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HOAs can be leaders in planting native, if compelled to do so. This requires homeowner action. Are you aware of the ways you can contact your HOA to talk about invasive plants? Arial view of a suburban neighborhood in Loudoun ...
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people shopping at a garden center

Stopping Invasive Species at the Source: What to Avoid at Garden Centers

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People shopping at a big box garden center. Credit: Marco Sanchez/PEC. While it may sound like a no-brainer, the first thing you can do to manage invasive species on your property is to not plant them in the first place ...
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A pollinator garden with a sign.

A Sanctuary, A Pollinator Garden

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Credit: Marco Sanchez/PEC "This native plant garden provides important food and shelter for pollinators, birds and other wildlife," reads a sign introducing a small but impactful plot of brightly colored flowers. As a part of our effort to promote sustainable ...
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