In recent years, we’ve expanded our collaborative work with a focus on shining a light on undertold stories of people and communities of color.
Historic & Scenic Landscapes
The Piedmont’s beautiful vistas also present some of America’s most historic terrain.
![PEC supports legal challenge to Orange County Wilderness Crossing rezoning](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/wilderness_crosssing_orange_county_credit_hugh_Kenny-3-of-15-1024x487.jpg)
PEC supports legal challenge to Orange County Wilderness Crossing rezoning
On May 24, 2023, the American Battlefield Trust, Central Virginia Battlefields Trust, Inc., Friends of Wilderness Battlefield, Inc., and a number of Orange County and Spotsylvania County residents filed a legal challenge to the recent approval by the Orange County Board of Supervisors of the rezoning of 2,600 acres in the county, known as Wilderness Crossing, at the gateway to the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. The lawsuit cites several violations of state constitutional and statutory law and county zoning ordinance, including procedural errors, lack of required submittals and findings, and failure to comply with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, among other errors.
![2023-2028 Strategic Plan](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/strategic-plan-banner-montage-2-1200x-1024x536.webp)
2023-2028 Strategic Plan
The Piedmont Environmental Council’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan sets a direction for the years ahead.
![2022 Highlights](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/southwings_october_loudoun_clarke_credit_hugh_kenny-09787-1-1024x692.jpg)
2022 Highlights
Learn about our efforts to expand conservation and restoration efforts, empower local communities, invest in public access, and connect consumers to local farms in 2022.
![The Piedmont’s Beauty Is Not An Accident – Letter from PEC’s President](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/souther_fauquier_county_sunrise_8.19.22_drone_credit_hugh_kenny_PEC-1-of-22-1024x683.jpg)
The Piedmont’s Beauty Is Not An Accident – Letter from PEC’s President
I often say that the beauty of the Virginia Piedmont is not an accident. And over the course of 2022, PEC has been contemplating and celebrating 50 years of collective effort conserving and protecting this place we love so much as we also plan for a more sustainable future.
![PEC and the Aldie Assemblage – An Incredible Conservation Opportunity](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/aldie_drone3-1500x-1024x634.jpg)
PEC and the Aldie Assemblage – An Incredible Conservation Opportunity
For some time, The Aldie Assemblage property has been under threat of development or uses inconsistent with preserving the historic character and integrity of the surrounding village. In December 2021, recognizing the need for a conservation solution, PEC submitted an offer to Loudoun County to purchase the property.
![“PW Digital Gateway” Public Hearing on Sept. 14](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/Manassas_digital_gateway_screenshot-1024x550.png)
“PW Digital Gateway” Public Hearing on Sept. 14
The countdown toward one of the most important decisions for the future of Prince William County, and the region as a whole, has begun. The Prince William County Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing on the Digital Gateway Comprehensive Plan Amendment this coming Wednesday, Sept. 14.
![Proposed Cell Tower at Mickie Gordon Memorial Park](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/cell_tower_waterloo_fauquier_august_2021_credit_hugh_kenny-1200x-1024x536.jpg)
Proposed Cell Tower at Mickie Gordon Memorial Park
A private development company has submitted plans to construct a 150’ cell tower at Mickie Gordon Memorial Park along Route 50, in between Middleburg and the historic village of Aldie, on property owned by the Loudoun County Public Schools.
![Histories Along the Blue Ridge: Digitization of Shenandoah National Park condemnation records in Madison County](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/Kristie-Kendall-PEC-Intern-Victoria-Garnett-and-Madison-County-Clerk-Leeta-Louk-review-documents-in-chancery-case_7-13-2021-1024x768.jpg)
Histories Along the Blue Ridge: Digitization of Shenandoah National Park condemnation records in Madison County
Three days of rain gave way to sunshine on a May Sunday afternoon, perhaps a perfect symbolism for the official unveiling of a long-awaited project nearly 90 years in the making.
![Regional traffic congestion, pollution in the Occoquan?](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/Manassas_digital_gateway_screenshot-1024x550.png)
Regional traffic congestion, pollution in the Occoquan?
Last November, PEC wrote about the threats posed to Prince William County’s long-standing Rural Crescent by three major land use decisions.