Press Center

Please address general press inquiries to Cindy Sabato at [email protected] or 540-347-2334 x7021 — or to the point of contact listed in a specific press release. You can also get in touch with PEC on Twitter (@piedmontenviron).

PEC to hold Family Day at the Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows, June 18

PEC to hold Family Day at the Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows, June 18

On June 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Piedmont Environmental Council invites community members to a free, fun-filled Family Day at PEC’s Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows, located at 39990 Howswers Branch Drive …
black and white historic image of a mother and three children in front of a house

Madison County plans May 15 event to announce and present newly digitized Madison County land condemnation records related to creation of Shenandoah National Park

In partnership with James Madison University, and with funding from the Madison County Historical Society, The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) has completed the digitization of thousands of legal documents related to the Commonwealth’s 1930s-era condemnation …
terry-tempest-williams

Renowned author and environmentalist Terry Tempest Williams to speak at Piedmont Environmental Council 50th anniversary celebration, May 21

On Saturday, May 21, at 2:45 p.m., internationally renowned author, environmentalist and activist Terry Tempest Williams will share her perspective on conservation, restoration and generational change in her keynote address, “The Open Space of Democracy,” …
| | Press Center
image of ground solar system on a farm with white and yellow text overlayed that says "The campaign is LIVE. Sign up at SolarizeVa.org"

Now through June 30, Solarize Piedmont 2022 simplifies process of going solar

Just ahead of Earth Day on April 22, the Piedmont Environmental Council is pleased to announce its Solarize Piedmont 2022 campaign, in partnership with the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) and participating municipalities …
A group of eight people from numerous organizations and government agencies stand together. Two people in the center hold a framed medal award.

Rappahannock River Water Trail Wins Governor’s Environmental Excellence Gold Medal Award

The award honored a multi-partner project resulted in the opening of two new public access points and three new non-motorized boat launches along the Rappahannock—a Virginia State Scenic River …
| | Press Center, Rappahannock County
a patch of green and purple bluebells

Bluebell Walk on Cedar Run is about much more than bluebells

This Saturday, April 9, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m., Mike and Margrete Stevens, the owners of Bonny Brook Farm in Catlett, will once again host The Piedmont Environmental Council’s Julian W. Scheer Fauquier Land …
portrait image of Nora

Nora Seilheimer joins The Piedmont Environmental Council as Director of Advancement

Piedmont Environmental Council President Chris Miller is pleased to announce the appointment of Nora Seilheimer to the role of director of advancement …
| | Press Center
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

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 …
aerial image of forested land next to a major road

Wilderness Crossing: New Residential Development or Potential Superfund Site?

In November 2021, PEC learned that of the five formally-named gold mine sites located on the proposed Wilderness Crossing residential development, none of them have been closed and cleaned up – a process called “reclamation.” …
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

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 …