Finalists in The Piedmont Environmental Council’s 15th Annual Photo Contest were announced on Monday, Oct. 28. Community members are now invited to view the images and vote for their favorites through Sunday, Nov. 17. To view the images and vote, visit pecva.org/photovote.
Press Center
Please address general press inquiries to Cindy Sabato at [email protected] or 540-347-2334 x7021 — or to the point of contact listed in a specific press release. You can also get in touch with PEC on twitter: @piedmontenviron.
Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative offers financial incentives for delayed haying and summer pasture stockpiling
Now through Nov 15, the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative (VGBI) is accepting applications from producers in 16 counties across the northern Virginia Piedmont, Blue Ridge, and Shenandoah Valley, who are interested in financial incentives for protecting nesting grassland birds during the 2025 haying season.
Dominion Energy Integrated Resource Plan projects historic rate increases for Virginia ratepayers while subsidizing the world’s wealthiest companies
The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) filed by Dominion
Energy with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (“SCC”) this week projects a more than 100
percent increase in electricity usage in the next 15 years, primarily driven by the explosive and
uncontrolled growth of data centers.
PEC Accepting Annual Photo Contest Submissions Through Sept. 30
Now through Sept. 30, professional and amateur photographers alike are invited to submit their best images of the beautiful Virginia Piedmont in The Piedmont Environmental Council’s 15th Annual Photo Contest.
Aug. 6: free cookout, community dinner and workshop on funding sources and technical help for land conservation and land management practices
On Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 6–8 p.m., community members are invited to a free workshop to learn about funding sources and technical assistance available for land management practices and conservation options that benefit water quality, wildlife, working lands, and farmers. Though held in Fauquier County, this event is open to the public and includes information relevant to other counties in Virginia. All are welcome.
Imperiled by Development, Wilderness Battlefield Named One of Nation’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places
Wilderness Battlefield, site of a pivotal clash that marked a turning point in the Civil War, was named one of the nation’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places due to the threat of a massive data center development that would irrevocably destroy the historic landscapes fundamental to maintaining the area as a vital educational resource and treasured hallowed ground.
Piedmont Environmental Council’s Bluebell Walk on Cedar Run to be held April 7
This free, family-friendly walk through a beautiful streamside field of Virginia’s iconic and ephemeral bluebells is hosted by Margrete and Mike Stevens at their conserved property, Bonny Brook Farm in Catlett.
6,315 acres conserved in nine-county region last year
The Piedmont Environmental Council reports that in 2023, 6,315 acres of land in Albemarle, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock counties were permanently protected with 52 new conservation easements.
The Piedmont Environmental Council announces new board officers
The Piedmont Environmental Council Board of Directors has a new board chair, David Aldrich, and new board officers: Leslie Cockburn, vice chair; Margrete Stevens, secretary; and Chris McLean, treasurer.
PEC lawsuit confirms abuse of FOIA by Orange County for the benefit of Amazon
The Virginia FOIA lawsuit that PEC filed against Orange County in October concluded last month with officials turning over the requested documents, thus avoiding a hearing in court.