Marco Sanchez

Sabato, Cindy

Posted on October 23, 2019May 6, 2024 by Marco Sanchez

Co-Director of Outreach & Communications
Warrenton Office
(540) 347-2334 ext. 7021
[email protected]

Cindy Sabato joined the PEC staff in fall 2019, eager to tell the stories of the people and the work that help preserve and honor the environmental beauty and character of the Virginia Piedmont. Prior to joining PEC, she led the communications team at Save The Bay – Narragansett Bay™ and served as a board member and outreach volunteer for the South Kingstown Land Trust in Rhode Island.

She holds a communications degree from James Madison University and some 20+ years in public relations and communications leadership for public education and nonprofit organizations. Upon rediscovering her passion and love for all things outdoors, she decided to refocus her career on the environment. The Piedmont Environmental Council’s mission and vision are perfectly aligned with her interests in caring for our water, land, and natural resources.

Cindy was born and raised in mid-Maryland, hails from a dairy-farming family, and grew up camping and fishing. She lives in Fauquier County with her husband and cat (just one, until she starts volunteering at the local animal shelter), and loves hiking, SCUBA diving, dancing and homebrewing.

New bridge improves access to one of Shenandoah Park’s most unique trails

Posted on October 22, 2019February 1, 2023 by Marco Sanchez

A new 35-foot span bridge across Cedar Run opened this week, offering hikers and nature-loving community members improved access to the popular Whiteoak Canyon trailhead and opening up three miles of stream habitat to native fish for the first time in decades. The effort is a public-private partnership between Shenandoah National Park, The Piedmont Environmental Council, Trout Unlimited, and the local landowners, the Graves family.

Gordonsville Parks Growing with New Addition

Posted on September 23, 2019December 1, 2022 by Marco Sanchez

Town to Trail, a working group of the non-profit The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC), is excited to announce the acquisition of the vacant lot at 204 Allen Street, which PEC purchased with contributions from private donors over the last year.

Flavor of the Piedmont Event

Posted on August 2, 2019 by Marco Sanchez

Come taste the flavor of the Piedmont! The Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission and Piedmont Environmental Council are co-hosting a food expo to showcase the region’s locally-grown food and beverages.

This two-part event will take place on Sunday, September 8 at the Lord Fairfax Community College campus in Warrenton. From fresh produce, succulent meats and dairy to award-winning wine, beer, and cider, Virginia’s Piedmont has a bounty of products to tempt commercial buyers, foodies and every-day eaters alike.

Ross, Leigh

Posted on June 12, 2019June 11, 2021 by Marco Sanchez

Leigh joined PEC in the spring of 2019. Her focus is on records management and implementing best practices for a healthy, efficient and productive nonprofit organization.

Walton, Pete

Posted on June 12, 2019June 11, 2021 by Marco Sanchez

Pete discovered his passion for working with soil while working with a community based non-profit called the New Community Project in Harrisonburg Virginia, as a student at James Madison University. From there, he went on to attend a semester with the National Outdoor Leadership School in Patagonia, and study natural building and homesteading in the mountains of Vermont and New York.

Support a More Connected Cville/Albemarle

Posted on May 10, 2019July 1, 2021 by Marco Sanchez

The Jefferson Area Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan is an important milestone! It maps a comprehensive network of bike lanes, sidewalks, and shared use paths that connect Charlottesville and Albemarle neighborhoods to schools, shopping, downtown and natural areas while also identifying bicycle connections to and among adjoining counties. Add your name or business/organization to our letter of support!

Piedmont Beef Survey

Posted on February 22, 2019 by Marco Sanchez

PEC is working with Health Care Without Harm (HCWH), a regional non-profit that encourages large institutions like hospitals and universities to purchase locally-raised beef. The purpose of our study is to better understand beef production in the Piedmont and producers’ interest in connecting with a consistent wholesale market.

Last Call for Conservation

Posted on February 15, 2019July 2, 2021 by Marco Sanchez

Amidst the general chaos in Richmond, the General Assembly is quietly winding down with Sine Die (last day of session) just around the corner on February 23. While the headlines are focused on other news coming out of Richmond, I would like to turn your attention toward something you can do for conservation in these last days of the 2019 legislative session.

Tips for Providing Winter Wildlife Habitat

Posted on February 6, 2019April 26, 2021 by Marco Sanchez

Winter can be tough on all of us, including our native wildlife. During the freezing temperatures and heavy snowfalls, we can swing by the grocery store before a winter storm and stay cozy in our warm homes. But wildlife are out in the harsh weather, trying to survive the season with dwindling resources.