Piedmont Environmental Council’s Bluebell Walk on Cedar Run to be held April 7

Contact:
Maggi Blomstrom, Rappahannock-Rapidan Conservation Initiative Coordinator
The Piedmont Environmental Council
[email protected]; 540-347-2334, x7067

purple and blue bluebells on a forest floor — *Credit Hugh Kenny/PEC*

CATLETT, VA. (March 26, 2024) – On Sunday, April 7, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. — rain or shine — community members are invited to attend The Piedmont Environmental Council’s Julian W. Scheer Fauquier Land Conservation Fund’s 21st Annual Bluebell Walk along Cedar Run. This free, family-friendly walk through a beautiful streamside field of Virginia’s iconic and ephemeral bluebells is hosted by Margrete and Mike Stevens at their conserved property, Bonny Brook Farm in Catlett. Along the flat, one-mile walk, local naturalists will be available to talk about a wide range of topics including beavers, invasive plant species, and habitat restoration for birds, butterflies and other critters.

“Bonny Brook Farm serves as an example of how landowners can make incremental efforts to steward their property with guidance from a host of conservation partners, including The Clifton Institute, Blue Ridge PRISM, Virginia Working Landscapes, John Marshall Soil & Water Conservation District, and PEC. A few of the land management practices that the Stevens’ are phasing in include invasive species removal, native meadow management, and planting trees along Cedar Run to help with water quality,” said Maggi Blomstrom, PEC’s Rappahannock-Rapidan conservation initiative coordinator. Staff from PEC and partner organizations will be on the walk to talk with visitors about conservation options available.

The Bluebell Walk along Cedar Run is free and family-friendly, though four-legged friends must be left at home. Guests are asked to arrive on time for the group field walk, and encouraged to wear appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes that can get dirty. Those wishing to wade across Cedar Run (a fan-favorite part of the walk) should bring along tall boots or waders. Donations are welcome in support of the Julian W. Scheer Fauquier Land Conservation Fund for continued land and water conservation efforts in Fauquier County. Learn more and register at: pecva.org/bluebells.

Photo options:

Host Margrete Stevens leads the way toward Cedar Run for a close-up look at ephemeral bluebells. Credit Hugh Kenny/PEC
Bluebells along Cedar Run in Catlett. Credit Hugh Kenny/PEC
Splashing about in Cedar Run is always a favorite part of PEC’s bluebell walk. Credit Hugh Kenny/PEC
Bluebells Close-up. Credit Cynthia Benitz
Margrete Stevens, Doug Larson, and a young guest walking through streamside bluebells as they prepare to cross Cedar Run. Credit Cynthia Benitz

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) works to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. Founded in 1972, PEC is a locally based, community-supported 501(c)3 nonprofit and accredited land trust. At the core of PEC’s approach is a focus on educating, engaging and empowering people to effect positive change in their communities.