Thank legislators for supporting VLCF funding and remind them of the importance of all of our state conservation programs in 2021.
Historic & Scenic Landscapes
The Piedmont’s beautiful vistas also present some of America’s most historic terrain.
![Scenic Rivers in the Piedmont – A StoryMap](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/scenic_rivers_storymap_banner_1200x-1024x512.jpg)
Scenic Rivers in the Piedmont – A StoryMap
In 2020, the state of Virginia commemorates 50 years of dedication and commitment to the conservation of Virginia’s water resources through the Virginia Scenic Rivers Program. In honor of that anniversary, PEC Fellowship program participants, Meredith Hickman and David Malcolm, created a StoryMap that celebrates the ten designated scenic rivers in The Piedmont Environmental Council’s region.
Video: Moment of Zen
A short film highlighting some of the beautiful landscapes of our region.
![The Rapidan River-Clark Mountain Rural Historic District](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/rapidan_river_rhd_compilation_banner_2_1200x-1024x536.jpg)
The Rapidan River-Clark Mountain Rural Historic District
The Rapidan River – Clark Mountain Rural Historic District is a nearly 40,000-acre historic landscape in Orange County and parts of Madison and Culpeper Counties that has been determined eligible for listing on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places for its high concentration of historic resources dating from the prehistoric period through the 1930s.
Highlighting African American Historic Conservation Projects
This Black History Month, we’re highlighting local conservation projects that have protected significant African American sites and cultural resources.
![Driving in the Right Direction](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/historic/waterloo_bridge_floor_1_credit_julie_bolthouse_900x.jpg)
Driving in the Right Direction
Finally, after a four-year battle to save the Route 613 Waterloo Bridge over the Rappahannock River, success is in sight. The bridge, which connects Fauquier and Culpeper counties, is a treasured historic resource for local residents and visitors to the region. Following its closure, there was a huge citizen response in support of rehabilitating the structure. Thousands of people have taken action. They have signed a petition, written emails, made phone calls, attended meetings, posted on Facebook and put up yard signs, all in support of saving Waterloo Bridge.
![Nov. 9 Key Vote for Waterloo Bridge – Time to Act!](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/historic/waterloo_bridge_floor_1_credit_julie_bolthouse_900x.jpg)
Nov. 9 Key Vote for Waterloo Bridge – Time to Act!
After nearly four years working to save Waterloo Bridge, success is within arm’s reach! On November 9, 2017 at 6:30pm the Fauquier Board of Supervisors will make a decision that will effectively determine the bridge’s fate. This text was taken from an email alert we sent out on November 4, 2017.
![These Hills Were Home](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/people/pec_staffandboard/kristie_kendall_with_book_1000x.jpg)
These Hills Were Home
A walking history guide to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northern Greene and Western Madison County, Virginia.
![Waterloo Bridge — Still Closed. Still Waiting for Repair](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/historic/Waterloo_Bridge_credit-Julie-Bolthouse-1024x623.jpg)
Waterloo Bridge — Still Closed. Still Waiting for Repair
The other night as I drove home, I paid attention to each bridge crossing. There were 18 concrete slab bridges. A majority of our roadways are repetitive monolithic creatures with little character or interest of their own. This reminded me of a statistic I once heard about how the drive to somewhere can be a valuable part of the tourist experience. Most people probably don’t travel out of their way to visit a historic bridge, but crossing one is a memorable part of the journey. And if you live near one, it probably is a part of what defines ‘home’ for you.
![Comments Requesting Re-evaluation of Statewide Historic Bridge Inventory](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/historic/Pre-1933-Metal-Truss-Bridges.png)
Comments Requesting Re-evaluation of Statewide Historic Bridge Inventory
The Commonwealth’s historic bridges create a sense of place and a link to the past. These bridges – versus featureless concrete slabs – are community amenities. They provide not just the physical crossing of a stream or river, but an experience that connects people to both the road and the surrounding landscape.