PEC’s Fellowship Program, which just finished its 7th year, gives college and graduate students a comprehensive look at the work PEC does in this region. Through classroom discussions, field trips, hands-on activities, and a final project—participants gain practical knowledge and skills to transition into careers in conservation, urban planning, agriculture, historic preservation, public policy, and other related fields. PEC’s staff obviously thinks the Fellowship is a great program, but don’t take our word for it!
About Us
A Conservation Ethic — A Profile of Marie Ridder
To say that Marie Ridder, 88, is an accomplished woman is an understatement—and as I drove to meet her for our interview, I was both excited and nervous. Marie has been a highly successful journalist and editor who would later devote her career to social and environmental issues.
The Piedmont Through the Viewfinder
They say a picture’s worth a thousand words, and that couldn’t be more true than when it comes to the beauty of Virginia’s Piedmont. No one knows this better than our regional photographers.
The Bill Backer Legacy Society
Help secure the future of the Piedmont through a Charitable Bequest.
Changing Perspectives: My time as a PEC Fellow
PEC’s Fellowship Program, which just finished its sixth year, gives college and graduate students a comprehensive look at the work PEC does in this region—with the hope that the participants will take what they learn in the program into their future careers and communities.
About Us
The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) was founded in 1972 to promote and protect the Virginia Piedmont’s rural economy, natural resources, history and beauty. Headquartered in Warrenton, VA, we have offices throughout a nine county Piedmont region that includes Albemarle, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock counties.
Stewart, Douglas
As PEC’s grant writer since 2012, Douglas works to raise funds from grants, and strengthen PEC’s relationships with foundations and government agencies. During that time, PEC has been able to start new conservation initiatives and expand general operating support through increased grant funds.
West, Bri
Bri West joined PEC’s staff in July 2006. Bri is a lifelong resident of Fauquier County, graduating from Fauquier High School in 2000. She went on to receive a degree in Biology from the College of William and Mary. After college Bri worked as a Naturalist at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida in Naples.
Marco Sánchez
Marco Sánchez joined PEC’s staff in September 2012. He graduated from Michigan State University in 2012 with a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife and an Environmental Studies minor.
Peter Krebs
Peter Krebs is working with the Charlottesville and Albemarle communities to plan and implement a network of trails and greenways. He is working with the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, local governments and groups to envision a better-connected, more prosperous and healthier community—and to chart a collaborative path forward.