Parks and Trails

A Community Forest Grows (and Expands) on the Edge of Charlottesville

A Community Forest Grows (and Expands) on the Edge of Charlottesville

Posted on by Peter Krebs

Since the advent of Covid-19, Charlottesville area greenways and open spaces have seen unprecedented visitorship as people have gravitated to the outdoors in search of the physical and emotional benefits of nature and fresh air. That’s why the creation of the new Heyward Community Forest is so timely.

Two Years, Two Acquisitions and a Multigenerational Legacy:

In 2019, the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) and the Virginia Department of Forestry helped the City of Charlottesville acquire 142 acres adjacent to the Ragged Mountain Natural Area through a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Forest Program grant of $562,500 to purchase the land. The city contributed $37,500 to bring the total purchase price to $600,000. The owner, Louisa Heyward, agreed to donate the remaining value.

Charlottesville / Albemarle Active Mobility Summit

Charlottesville / Albemarle Active Mobility Summit

At this free half-day workshop, representatives from organizations, local businesses, agencies and passionate individuals who share a mission to promote walking, biking, running, everyday access nature in Charlottesville and Albemarle County.

Help shape Loudoun County’s vision for parks, recreation and open space

Help shape Loudoun County’s vision for parks, recreation and open space

Posted on by Tracy Lind

Hello there! We wanted to send a quick note letting you know that community input is needed on the Loudoun’s Parks & Recreation Master Plan.

Your feedback is critical to determining the vision, development, and investment in parks, recreation opportunities, open space and trails in Loudoun County for the next 10 years.

PEC Lauds New Woolen Mill Bridge Connection

Posted on by Marco Sanchez

Today, the Piedmont Environmental Council is celebrating this morning’s installation of a new 140-foot pedestrian bridge over Moores Creek in Albemarle, which will soon provide pedestrian and bicycle access from The Wool Factory at the end of East Market Street to the Rivanna Trail on the south side of the creek.