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.
Maps & Resources
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.
On the Ground Conservation – Spring 2013
The Bowers Family made a generous donation of nearly 160 acres to PEC in 2012. This land—adjacent to the Hickory Ridge Farm subdivision near Earlysville—will be permanently conserved as a rural property by PEC. The property features mixed hardwood forests and a wooded stream valley, which helps protect the Rivanna River watershed.
Remembering Celia: Honoring one of Madison County’s 2012 easement donors
Celia Porter Dollarhide (January 1940 — December 2012) and her siblings never quite had a hometown. Their father, Robert Porter, Jr., was a general in the U.S. army and the family moved often. So, when General Porter retired in the ‘60s and settled at Middle River Farm in Madison County — the 140 acre tree farm became the family’s home base.
Uranium Mining: Going…Going…Gone?
In 2007, Virginia Uranium, Inc. (VUI) made their intentions clear: they were going to persuade lawmakers to lift the Commonwealth’s standing moratorium on uranium mining and milling. The company had their eyes set on a large deposit of uranium in Southwest Virginia, and they adamantly ignored the numerous warnings and unknowns. Determined to break ground in Pittsylvania County, VUI poured millions into a massive lobbying effort and PR campaign to make it happen. They pulled all of the stops— including flying legislators to France.
2013 Land Conservation Update
This annual publication highlights some of the new opportunities that are available to land owners this year. Articles include Expanded Land Conservation Incentives in 2013, PEC's Sustainable Habitat Program, and Continuing a Legacy of Conservation.
PEC’s Legacy Society: Leaving Your Mark
PEC has worked for 40 years to promote and protect the natural resources and vibrant communities of the Piedmont. We would not be where we are today, however, without the dedication of concerned citizens who support the work that we have done and are doing.
Looking Back and Moving Forward: 40 Years with PEC
The Piedmont Environmental Council turned 40 this year. For individuals, a 40th birthday might be a dreaded event—where friends and families don black hats and tell jokes about getting older. For a regional, non-profit organization, however, it’s something else altogether. As our staff, board members, friends and supporters look over the last 40 years of hard work and collaboration—we are filled with pride and gratitude.
Spout Run Watershed Gets Some T.L.C.
Clarke County’s Spout Run watershed is comprised of 14 miles of perennial streams, many of which are spring-fed. So, Spout Run has the potential to provide clean water and support a large variety of wildlife species. Yet, the streams are considered unhealthy due to the levels of nutrients and sediment from fertilizers, livestock, and other human-related activities. For this reason, the Spout Run watershed is on Virginia’s State Impaired Waters List. This is bad news not only for the wildlife and people living around the watershed, but also for those downstream—including the Chesapeake Bay.
Protecting the Jordan – A Community Effort
When James and Karen Allen placed their Flint Hill property under a conservation easement this August, they protected over 100 beautiful acres of scenic open space and viable farmland; over 4,000 feet of the Jordan River; and more than 1,600 feet of front-age on Zachary Taylor Highway—one of Virginia’s Scenic Byways.