Thanks to everyone who joined us at our Sources of Conservation Funding Workshop in early August at the Fauquier County Livestock Exchange! It was great to see so many farmers, landowners, and partners there to learn and share knowledge about the many sources of funding and technical assistance available for conservation and land management.

If you were unable to attend or need a refresher, The Piedmont Environmental Council and our fantastic conservation partners are here to help you explore your options! Below you will find the presentations along with the direct contact information for each program.

• John Marshall Soil & Water Conservation District
• Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative (PEC)
• The Piedmont Environmental Council Easement Program
• Fauquier County Conservation Easement Program

This free and informative event is one of many made possible by PEC’s Julian W. Scheer Fauquier Land Conservation Fund. The Fauquier Fund provides technical assistance and financial support for landowners looking to donate conservation easements, and short-term loans for folks installing agricultural best management practices with partner agencies, and hosts educational workshops like the one you attended last week. Please consider a donation to the Fauquier Fund! Checks can be made payable to Piedmont Foundation-Julian Scheer Fauquier Fund and sent to The Piedmont Environmental Council at P.O. Box 460 Warrenton, VA 20188.

Agricultural and wildlife habitat practices

Such as livestock exclusion fencing and watering systems for improved herd health and water quality; conservation landscaping and rainwater harvesting for backyards of all sizes; delayed haying for grassland birds; and native meadows for pollinators.

Other agricultural, residential, and wildlife practice partners in the crowd included the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s Virginia Working Landscapes – also fantastic resources!

Conservation easements

Tools to permanently protect the land that you love for the benefit of current and future generations, and potential financial benefits associated with a donation or purchase of an easement.