The Clarke Fund works in partnership with numerous organizations and employs a variety of strategies to ensure conservation resources are protected for future generations.
Land Conservation
PEC has helped landowners permanently protect over 430,000 acres of rural or natural land. Conservation Easements help ensure that the Virginia Piedmont is always characterized by its open spaces, healthy environment, and cultural resources.
Eyes on Richmond / Call to Support Farmland Protection
The Piedmont Environmental Council is tracking a broad array of bills and budget amendments, as well as supporting legislative priorities of partners within the Virginia Conservation Network.
Video: Expanding Access to the Rappahannock River
PEC has been working with partners to make public access to the Rappahannock a reality for all who want to share in its bounty. In the past two years alone, three new boat launches have opened in Fauquier County, making it easier to put canoe or kayak in the water, take a swim, fish, or just sit and enjoy the beautiful river flowing by!
Land Trust Accreditation Renewed
We are happy to announce that PEC’s accreditation as a land trust — a mark of distinction in land conservation — was renewed in August 2022. PEC was first accredited in 2011, and this renewal by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission signifies its continued confidence that the 10,600+ acres of land that PEC holds in easement will be protected forever.
Hundreds of Trees Planted at Lane Property
On November 9, 2022, 23 volunteers, including students from Belle Meade Montessori School, joined PEC staff at the Lane Property in Sperryville, VA, for a fall tree planting.
Planting Trees at Long Branch
On October 31, 2022, 23 volunteers joined PEC staff at Long Branch Historic House and Farm in Boyce, VA, to plant hundreds of native trees and shrubs.
Bonny Brook Tree Planting
On October 13, 2022, four volunteers joined PEC staff at Bonny Brook Farm in Fauquier County to plant 55 native trees and shrubs along a riparian stream as part of PEC’s Potomac Planting Program.
2022 Highlights
Learn about our efforts to expand conservation and restoration efforts, empower local communities, invest in public access, and connect consumers to local farms in 2022.
Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative offers financial incentives for delayed haying and summer pasture stockpiling
Now through Nov 15, 2022, the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative (VGBI) is accepting applications for its 2023 financial incentives program.
Return of the Grassland Birds
The new Virginia (formerly Piedmont) Grassland Bird Initiative (VGBI) is showing promising signs of returning those birds to the Virginia landscape. With grant funding, the program pays farmers to adopt bird-friendly best management practices.