Thriving Communities
PEC believes that the work of protecting natural resources and the work of building better communities are integral to each other.
The following articles appeared in PEC's Membership Newsletter -- The Piedmont View
Letter from the President and Vice President for Conservation and Rural Programs
We’ve had some unpredictable weather of late, but the daffodils and crocuses in our backyards are signaling that spring is finally here. There’s nothing like spring in Virginia’s Piedmont. As the landscape comes alive with flowers, fresh leaves, song birds, butterflies and other wildlife — we are reminded of how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful part of the world. We are reminded that we are a part of something that is worth protecting. Read More
Transportation: Virginia Has A Choice To Make
We can use transportation dollars to invest in our cities, towns and neighborhoods—making them great places to live. To do so, we need to offer first-class transit options, improve local road networks, and enhance east-west routes to solve Northern VA’s commuter gridlock. Or, we can waste our funds on new highways that ignore existing traffic problems, spread sprawl, and ultimately put more cars on the road. Read More
Uranium Mining: Going...Going...Gone?
In 2007, Virginia Uranium, Inc. (VUI) made their intentions clear: they were going to persuade lawmakers to lift the Commonwealth’s standing moratorium on uranium mining and milling. The company had their eyes set on a large deposit of uranium in Southwest Virginia, and they adamantly ignored the numerous warnings and unknowns. Determined to break ground in Pittsylvania County, VUI poured millions into a massive lobbying effort and PR campaign to make it happen. They pulled all of the stops— including flying legislators to France. Read More
Going Native
In late November 2012, a sold-out crowd packed the Middleburg Community Center for a Invasive Plant Symposium sponsored by PEC, the Sacharuna Foundation, Virginia Working Landscapes, and United Plant Savers. The event featured a panel of scientific experts, foresters and farmers to talk about methods for controlling invasive plants and utilizing native plants. Dr. Doug Tallamy, the nationally acclaimed speaker and author of the best seller Bringing Nature Home,was the keynote speaker. Read More
Local Planning Resources
Important concepts related to community planning in Virginia.
More Thriving Communities
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Apr 04, 2013Nature's Extravaganza!
It might be hard to believe with daffodils and pansies struggling to stand tall in the snow just last week, but we have it on good authority that spring really will be with us soon. Plan now to enjoy two great natural spectacles -- brilliant bluebells and amazing azaleas. Shake off the winter doldrums and celebrate the return of spring in the Piedmont. This text is from an email alert that was sent out on March 2nd, 2013. Read More -
Oct 16, 2012Natural Assets Planning Workshops
Evaluating and Conserving Natural Assets: Maximizing conservation potential in the developing landscape for abundant recreation, clean water, clean air, wildlife, beautiful vistas, and strong economies. This is a hands-on planning and mapping workshop for local governments, conservation groups, land trusts, and developers who want to create communities that are healthy both ecologically and economically! This workshop will demonstrate how to use readily available tools to evaluate your locality or development plan to ensure that you have the best strategy possible for creating a resilient community. You will learn practical methods for using the best data to determine when, where and how to grow while still having a vibrant, green and beautiful community. Read More -
Aug 03, 2012Painters of the Piedmont: PEC's 40th Anniversary Art Show
A traveling exhibition featuring the work of 11 leading artists living and working in the Virginia Piedmont region.The Piedmont Environmental Council is proud to bring together eleven of the leading artists working in the Virginia Piedmont region. The thirty works of art chosen for exhibition will highlight a cross section of artists who by their creativity and ability make us all aware of the abundant resources of the region. These artists work in various mediums and approach their art in different ways, but all share a sense of place that is the Virginia Piedmont. All of the artwork is for sale and proceeds will benefit the 40th Anniversary Fund of PEC—making possible new outreach initiatives. Read More -
Jan 23, 2012PEC Welcomes Best-Selling Author Richard Louv
As we celebrate our 40th Anniversary, The Piedmont Environmental Council is excited to bring Richard Louv, best-selling author of Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle, to the Piedmont —sparking ideas to help people and nature reconnect. See Richard Louv in Leesburg on Mar 14 See Richard Louv in Charlottesville on Mar 15 Tickets are $12 per adult and $8 per student and can be purchased online. Read More -
Dec 14, 2011Controlling the Costs of Growth
Uncontrolled growth can cause taxes to skyrocket, but with good planning and the use of proffers and other tools, communities can accommodate growth without a budget crisis. Read More -
Dec 14, 2011Better Comprehensive Planning
Every locality in Virginia must express its goals in a Comprehensive Plan, a twenty-year vision which must be reviewed and/or revised every five years. These documents are of foundational importance for communities that wish to shape their own future. Read More
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