Conserving Land

Conservation easements help ensure that the Virginia Piedmont is always characterized by its open spaces, healthy environment, and cultural resources. 

Power Surge: Data center boom leads to expansive transmission proposals

Power Surge: Data center boom leads to expansive transmission proposals

We must address the booming data center growth in our state that is requiring unprecedented expansions of our energy grid and hindering our ability to get off of fossil fuels.

2023 Highlights: A Holistic Approach to Conservation

2023 Highlights: A Holistic Approach to Conservation

PEC works to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. The following highlights reflect our work in 2023.

Sources of Conservation Funding Workshop Resources 2023

Sources of Conservation Funding Workshop Resources 2023

If you were unable to attend our recent Sources of Conservation Funding Workshop and Social at Powers Farm & Brewery in Midland, VA, PEC and our fantastic conservation partners are here to help you explore your conservation options.

Virginia’s Land Preservation Tax Credit hits a milestone

Virginia’s Land Preservation Tax Credit hits a milestone

In late April, at the Virginia Land Conservation and Greenways conference in Harrisonburg, Senator Hanger proudly announced the permanent protection of over 1 million acres of land as a direct result of the LPTC.

Sen. Emmett W. Hanger, Jr. announces 1 million acres conserved since Virginia’s Land Preservation Tax Credit went into effect, highlights importance of land conservation moving forward 

Sen. Emmett W. Hanger, Jr. announces 1 million acres conserved since Virginia’s Land Preservation Tax Credit went into effect, highlights importance of land conservation moving forward 

Virginia’s Land Preservation Tax Credit (LPTC) has led to the permanent protection of over 1 million acres of land in Virginia, Senator Emmett W. Hanger, Jr. announced today in Harrisonburg at the Virginia Land and Greenways Conference sponsored by Virginia’s United Land Trusts.

2022 Land Conservation Totals

2022 Land Conservation Totals

Last year, landowners partnered with The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) and other land trusts and conservation agencies to permanently protect 6,651 acres of land in Albemarle, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Orange and Rappahannock counties.

A Neighborhood Conservation Effort along South River

A Neighborhood Conservation Effort along South River

In Greene County, a community-wide effort to protect land along the South River has been underway for nearly two decades. In 2022, a critical 140-acre multi-generational cattle farm was added to the tapestry of this corridor with a conservation easement generously donated to PEC by Mr. Laymon Breeden, who wanted to protect the farm in part to honor his father.

Nine-county land conservation totals 6,651 acres in 2022

Nine-county land conservation totals 6,651 acres in 2022

Last year, landowners partnered with The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) and other land trusts and conservation agencies to permanently protect 6,651 acres of land in Albemarle, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Orange and Rappahannock counties.