Farmland and forests produce the essentials of life, from the food on our tables to clean water and air. In PEC’s nine-county area, approximately 200,000 acres of farmland and 198,000 acres of forests are protected through private, voluntary land conservation.
Improving Pastures
Farms are the heart of the Piedmont region. Creating healthy pastures means sustainable farmland and a strong local economy …
Properties at Gilberts Corner
Driving west on Rt. 50 in Loudoun County, you may breathe a sigh of relief when you reach the first …
Buy Fresh Buy Local Guides
The Piedmont Environmental Council’s Buy Fresh Buy Local program helps consumers find local products while building relationships between growers, food …
Leasing Farmland
Access to affordable tillable farmland and pasture is one of the primary barriers for next-generation farmers and a healthy evolution …
2024 Highlights: By the Numbers
PEC’s dedicated staff work relentlessly to advance land conservation, sound land use planning, the protection of natural resources and better climate and energy policy …
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 …
A Win/Win for Farmers
Mike Willis, his wife Judy, and stepson Wesley know that farming is not for the faint of heart …
Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative offers financial incentives for delayed haying and summer pasture stockpiling
Now through Nov 15, the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative (VGBI) is accepting applications from producers in 16 counties across the northern Virginia Piedmont, Blue Ridge, and Shenandoah Valley, who are interested in financial incentives for …
Sources of Conservation Funding Workshop and Social – August 6, 2024
If you were unable to attend or need a refresher, The Piedmont Environmental Council and our fantastic conservation partners are here to help you explore your options! Below you will find the presentations along with …
Rural Landowner Manual: A Resource Guide for the Northern Piedmont
The publication includes a list of experts, programs and opportunities to assist landowners, with practical advice on navigating the complexities of rural property stewardship …
Bridging the Urban/Rural Divide
From my perspective over at Gilberts Corner, I can look in either direction and see these two very different, but interdependent worlds …
Long Acre Farm: A Creative Solution for a Farming Conundrum
In Greene County, young Dustin Watson works the 274-acre cattle farm co-owned by two elder family members …
Reshaping the Future of Farm to Table: Expanding Local Meat Processing Capacity in Virginia
This video tells the story of partners coming together to give small Virginia producers more options to process meat products from their farms …
Bringing Solar to Farms in the Piedmont
Whether it’s DIY or in the hands of the Commonwealth’s many trusted local solar businesses, now is a better time than ever to go solar …
The Piedmont Environmental Council is a partner of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition. We support the 4 core principles of soil health management: Keep Soil Covered; Minimize Soil Disturbance; Maximize Living Roots; and, Energize with Diversity. Join the movement today at 4thesoil.org.