The Piedmont View

View articles published in our quarterly membership newsletter, The Piedmont View. To become a PEC member or renew your existing membership, visit our donations page today!

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More Than Vegetables at the Community Farm

More Than Vegetables at the Community Farm

When a PEC staff member recently posed the question “what does the farm mean to people beyond just donating to food pantries?” I remembered my first farming experience, when I discovered that farms are so …
On the Ground Updates – March 2025

On the Ground Updates – March 2025

A series of short updates from around the PEC region – Albemarle & Charlottesville, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange & Rappahannock …
An aerial view of the town of Madison. Heavy storm clouds approach in the distance, with rain falling on the mountains in the background.

President’s Letter: Hope Springs Eternal

After a hard winter, with measurable snow cover for over a month, damaging wind storms, inevitable frustrations with a closely divided General Assembly, and unprecedented presidential actions disrupting federal conservation, environmental, and energy policy, I …
| | The Piedmont View
A black cow grazes in front of rows of solar panels.

Better Solar through HB206

A transition to renewable energy is imperative for our planet, and the good news is that Virginia has taken a major step in that direction with the ambitious Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) passed in …
Shining a Light on Agrivoltaics at Roundabout Meadows

Shining a Light on Agrivoltaics at Roundabout Meadows

This spring, the Piedmont Environmental Council will unveil a project at our Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows with the potential to revolutionize the relationship between the agricultural lands that make up the heart of the …
virginia state capitol

General Assembly Snapshot: 2025

The General Assembly convenes on Jan. 8 for a planned “short session” that runs through Feb. 22. PEC has co-authored several white papers that form the framework of the Virginia Conservation Network’s legislative priorities …
Conserving the Southern Shenandoah Borderlands

Conserving the Southern Shenandoah Borderlands

Looking out from the Moorman’s River Overlook in Shenandoah National Park, you’re treated to a breathtaking sweep of the forested, rolling foothills of the Piedmont. What’s not immediately apparent from this viewpoint is the fact …
Mushrooms growing from a tree trunk with a dusting of snow on them.

2024 Photo Contest Winners

At PEC, we work to connect people to the landscapes and communities of Virginia’s Piedmont. The wonderful images that photographers submit to this contest help us tell important stories and allow folks to experience this …
| | PEC Photo Contest, The Piedmont View
A group of people stands in front of a red ribbon which has just been cut with ceremonial scissors. People are smiling, laughing, clapping.

On The Ground Updates – December 2024

A series of short updates from around the PEC region – Albemarle & Charlottesville, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange & Rappahannock …
Closing 2024: President's Letter

Closing 2024: President’s Letter

At PEC, we value the power of community engagement, believing that local decisions matter and that informed and involved communities are vital to achieving positive and lasting outcomes. We serve as a catalyst and source …
| | The Piedmont View