Inspiring Conservation: PEC's Annual Gathering

Date and Time

Description

Join The Piedmont Environmental Council for our 2025 Annual Gathering at historic Eldon Farms in Rappahannock County. This remarkable 7,100-acre property is an example of how the intersection of conservation and thoughtful land stewardship can support agriculture and biodiversity in ways that celebrate the cultural and historical landscapes.

Purchased by the Akre family in 2021 as a conservation investment, Eldon Farms has been thoughtfully developed over the last five years with a vision to embody the values that define our region's character — working landscapes that maintain ecological balance while supporting sustainable agriculture and being accessible to all. With its sweeping views of Old Rag Mountain and proximity to Shenandoah National Park, the property showcases the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Virginia Piedmont.

Our keynote speaker, renowned landscape architect Thomas Woltz, brings a wealth of expertise in ecological conservation and agricultural and cultural landscapes. As owner of Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects, Woltz has spent two decades weaving environmental narratives into the places people live, work and play, inspiring vital connections between communities and the natural world.

The day will begin with a welcome from PEC President Chris Miller, followed by Woltz's keynote address on the Eldon project as an example of sustainable landscape design that balances ecological health and productive agriculture. After a community lunch, you'll have the opportunity to participate in one of four workshop sessions exploring different aspects of conservation work in our region.

WORKSHOPS

A choice of four workshops, beginning after lunch and running simultaneously, so please choose the one you'd like to attend when you register to help us plan accordingly. There is some flexibility to change your mind on the day of the event.

A Walking Tour of Conservation at Eldon Farms

Join Eldon Farms’ geneticist and agribusiness manager John Genho and PEC’s conservation team to learn about best practices being implemented at Eldon Farms to conserve the Upper Rappahannock watershed. The walk is about ¾ of a mile long.

Data Centers & Virginia's Clean Energy Future

A focused discussion on data centers and energy generation and transmission, how these affect local residents and the environment, and the challenges of balancing Virginia's clean energy goals with growing energy demands. Discover how community members can help shape policies to protect our rural landscape.

Connectivity & the Larger Landscape — from Blue Ridge to the Bay

Join PEC staff and partners for an exploration of habitat connectivity across our region, with a particular focus on how conservation corridors like those being developed at Eldon Farms contribute to wildlife mobility and ecological resilience throughout the Piedmont.

How to Meet the Demand for Native Plants — The Importance of Native Plants in Restoring the Upper Rappahannock

Learn about the ongoing restoration work and the use of native plants to enhance biodiversity.

Cost

$40

Location