Contact: Montana Lanier-Ruffner
Piedmont Environmental Council[email protected]; 540-347-2334, x7009
Marshall, Va. (July 29, 2024) – On Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 6–8 p.m., community members are invited to a free workshop to learn about funding sources and technical assistance for land management practices and conservation options that benefit water quality, wildlife, working lands, and farmers. Though held in Fauquier County, this event is open to the public and includes information relevant to other counties in Virginia. All are welcome.
The Sources of Conservation Funding Workshop and Social will be held at the Fauquier County Livestock Exchange at 7404 John Marshall Highway, Marshall, VA 20115. It is hosted by John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District, Fauquier County Department of Agricultural Development, The Piedmont Environmental Council, and PEC’s Julian W. Scheer Fauquier Land Conservation Fund. This casual, country-fair style event is informal and designed for farmers and community members to learn from each other and engage with the host organizations before and after the presentations.
Dean and Carina Elgin stand in front of livestock exclusion fencing on their farm.
For those interested in learning about land management strategies and associated funding and technical support, presenters will discuss programs that improve soil health, water quality, and bird habitat, while also benefiting farmers. These include livestock exclusion fencing, alternative watering systems, riparian buffer programs, nutrient management projects, and haying and grazing practices and cost-share programs.
For those interested in conservation options, presenters will give an introduction to conservation easements and easement donation programs and will discuss in more detail conservation programs designed to protect and bolster working farmland and the agricultural industry in the region. Such programs include the Fauquier County Purchase of Development Rights Program and the federal National Resources Conservation Association Agricultural Land Easement program, which allow landowners to sell the development potential on qualifying properties while maintaining ownership and use of the land.
Pre-registration is requested, but not required, as the Julian W. Scheer Fauquier Land Conservation Fund will provide a hamburger and hotdog dinner for all attendees prior to the presentations. Additionally, Loudoun-County Chef Erik Foxx-Nettnin will cook and sell locally sourced and grass-finished meats a la carte to attendees and folks who stop in from Tri-County. For more information or to register, contact Montana Lanier Ruffner at [email protected] or 540-347-2334, x7009, or visit: pecva.org/event/sources-of-conservation-funding-workshop-and-social/
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PEC’s Julian W. Scheer Fauquier Land Conservation Fund was established in 2003 to protect land with important natural, historic, scenic and agricultural resources in Fauquier County. The Fund provides direct funding for environmental stewardship on working farmland, technical support for easement donations, and educational workshops on conservation and management options.
The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) works to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. Founded in 1972, PEC is a locally based, community-supported 501(c)3 nonprofit and accredited land trust. At the core of PEC’s approach is a focus on educating, engaging and empowering people to effect positive change in their communities.