Strong Communities

PEC believes that the work of protecting natural resources and the work of building better communities are integral to each other. 

Exploring New Public Parks in the Piedmont

Exploring New Public Parks in the Piedmont

Conserved public spaces have measurable impacts on our lives: research shows that spending time outdoors improves both physical and mental health, and can even improve students’ grades, lower blood pressure and drive economic growth. If you enjoy outdoor adventures like I do, lace up your boots and come with me as we explore a couple of these new parks that opened in 2024, as well as one potential future park.

March 18: Loudoun Board to Vote on Proposed Changes to Regulate Data Center Development

March 18: Loudoun Board to Vote on Proposed Changes to Regulate Data Center Development

Next Tuesday, Mar. 18, the Loudoun Board of Supervisors plans a major vote on its proposed Phase One amendments to the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance to better manage data center development in the county.

Mobility Summit galvanizes community for better walking, biking and outdoor access; unofficially launches Three Notched Trail plan

Mobility Summit galvanizes community for better walking, biking and outdoor access; unofficially launches Three Notched Trail plan

Area residents, organizations and leaders who want better places to walk, bike and run are coming together at the Fifth Annual Charlottesville/Albemarle Active Mobility Summit Thursday, Mar. 6 (5:30–8 p.m.) and Friday, Mar. 7 (9 a.m.–12 p.m. ) at The Wool Factory.

A Historic Opportunity: Help Make Oak Hill Virginia’s Newest State Park

A Historic Opportunity: Help Make Oak Hill Virginia’s Newest State Park

We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create an expansive new state park in Loudoun County, a proposed park that will protect a National Historic Landmark and offer easy access to the outdoors for millions of visitors to and residents of Northern Virginia. 

The 2025 Virginia General Assembly is in Session.

The 2025 Virginia General Assembly is in Session.

An overview of the topics that PEC has its eye on this session: data center reform, land conservation and public access, solar implementation, housing and local land use authority

2024 Highlights: By the Numbers

2024 Highlights: By the Numbers

PEC’s dedicated staff work relentlessly to advance land conservation, sound land use planning, the protection of natural resources and better climate and energy policy.