The Piedmont Environmental Council

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) was founded in 1972 and has a mission to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. Headquartered in Warrenton, VA, we have offices throughout a nine-county region that includes Albemarle, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock counties and the City of Charlottesville.

The region, which includes several of the fastest-growing jurisdictions in the nation, has faced serious challenges over the decades. Yet, the people of the Piedmont care deeply about it and have strived to protect its special places and natural values. In 1972, their energy, commitment and collaboration gave shape to The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC).

Now one of the most effective community-based environmental groups in the country, PEC works with the residents of our nine-county region to conserve land, create thriving communities, strengthen rural economies, celebrate historic resources, protect air and water quality, build smart transportation networks, promote sustainable energy choices, restore wildlife habitat, and improve people’s access to nature.

PEC strives to make the Virginia Piedmont a model and leader on conservation, restoration, smart growth and climate action. We do so through work in the following focus areas: Clean Water; Conserving Land; Energy Matters; Historic & Scenic Landscapes; Strong Communities; Transportation Solutions; Wildlife Habitat; Working Farms and Local Food.