Homeowners need to get involved with their HOAs to ensure they avoid the use of invasive plants. There are several ways individuals can take action to do so, such as attending meetings, contacting the board members, serving on a committee, and creating volunteer events.
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.
![Stopping Invasive Species at the Source: What to Avoid at Garden Centers](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/garden_center_people_shopping_credit_marco_sanchez_1200x-1024x536.jpg)
Stopping Invasive Species at the Source: What to Avoid at Garden Centers
One of the best things you can do to control invasive species in your area is avoid purchasing them in the first place. There are currently no restrictions on the sale of invasive species in Virginia and DC, so the responsibility falls on the consumer to avoid purchasing these invasive plants.
![Why You Should Be Worried About Invasive Species On Your Property](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/kudzu-credit-chris-dilworth-flickr-1200x-1024x536.jpg)
Why You Should Be Worried About Invasive Species On Your Property
Invasive species don’t just have consequences to the surrounding ecosystem. They can have serious impacts on your property as well- everything from time to money to the beauty of your land.
![How You Can Get Rid Of Invasive Species On Your Property](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/person_treating_multiflora_rose_credit_g_peebles_usfws_flickr-1-683x1024.jpg)
How You Can Get Rid Of Invasive Species On Your Property
Removing invasive species from your property may not be as overwhelming as you might think. Having the right information and resources can make the process of removing invasives a lot less intimidating and will give you a greater chance of having successful results.
![Video: Orvis Giveback Days for Bolton Branch](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/orvis-square-small.jpg)
Video: Orvis Giveback Days for Bolton Branch
In May, The Piedmont Environmental Council teamed up with Orvis to raise money to restore two miles of brook trout stream habitat on Bolton Branch in Rappahannock County.
![PEC Quarterly Keynote: Conservation and Collaboration](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/600x600_skyline_drive_credit_hugh_kenny.jpg)
PEC Quarterly Keynote: Conservation and Collaboration
Together with the Shenandoah National Park Trust and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute’s Virginia Working Landscapes, the Piedmont Environmental Council presented its 2nd virtual Quarterly Keynote on Thursday, June 24 at 6:30 pm.
![What is the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative?](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/kestral_owf_credit_hugh_kenny-7306955-1024x683.jpg)
What is the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative?
Native grasslands have suffered the most intense impact by humans of any of North America’s terrestrial ecosystems, resulting in grassland-associated birds experiencing a steeper, more consistent decline than any other guild of birds.
![Every Five Years…](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/LTAC_logo_highres.jpg)
Every Five Years…
The Land Trust Accreditation Program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. The Piedmont Environmental Council is pleased to announce it is applying for renewal of accreditation. A public comment period is now open.
![Beavers Are a Stream’s Best Friend](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/1200x600_beaver_credit_hugh_kenny-6-of-12-1024x512.jpg)
Beavers Are a Stream’s Best Friend
Did you know that beavers only eat the bark off branches? Well, sometimes they eat the buds and roots of their favorite trees, like willow, maple, poplar, beech, birch, alder and aspen trees.
![Community-based Partnerships Take Root & Grow in Loudoun County](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/pec_community_farm_dana_melby_headshot_600x.jpg)
Community-based Partnerships Take Root & Grow in Loudoun County
The Piedmont Environmental Council is proudly working with multiple community partners to support local farms and farmers, create more public access to outdoor spaces, and support the county’s food insecure population. Some of these initiatives were inspired or amplified by the Covid-19 pandemic, while others continue to advance PEC’s core mission of protecting and promoting the Piedmont’s natural resources, rural economy, history and beauty.