CONSERVATION EDUCATION
A memorable day with ICCF & the Rare Species Fund during the 2012 Conservation Fair hosted by Luciana and Robert Duvall.
The Robert Duvall Children's Fund strives to educate children about the importance of environmental conservation initiatives through partnerships with organizations working to preserve our planet.
THE PIEDMONT ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL
Envision the Piedmont
When citizens express a shared vision, it becomes a map for conservation efforts -- a defense against degrading change and a guide to creating better communities. Rather than leaving change to chance, PEC encourages active citizen participation in planning the future of this region. We help advance innovative concepts for context-sensitive design of roads and new development. We create opportunities for people to appreciate the natural world and help people identify special places that they want to see respected. We support initiatives that lead the way toward more energy-efficient communities, and we’re advancing local food initiatives that help renew healthy connections between people and the land.
Protect the Land that Sustains Us
PEC’s nine-county region stands out as one of America’s most successful areas for private land conservation. Our energetic outreach and assistance enables people of the Piedmont to act on their love for the land. As a result, residents of this region have protected more than 340,000 acres. As we progress toward our ambitious goal of one million acres protected, PEC’s commitment to stewardship of conserved lands will ensure that much of this region’s valuable farmland, forests, wetlands, scenic countryside and historic heritage are forever protected.
Respond to the Forces of Change
PEC’s work is grounded in citizen engagement. We serve as a vital ally for people when the places and natural resources that they care about are threatened; directing grassroots energy into effective strategies. PEC’s professional staff is on the ground in our nine counties, with the expertise to assist local governments. We also work in Washington and Richmond -- advising both legislators and agency officials. Our cutting-edge mapping, internet and advocacy tools help us communicate with and inform the public. All of these tools, coupled with decades of experience, gives PEC the ability to take on even the most overwhelming threats and persistent development pressure. We work with decision makers at the local, state and national level, and we mobilize citizens to take effective action on crucial issues.
Build Better Communities
PEC recognizes that the vitality of our towns and cities and the health of our environment are closely linked, and we bring rural, suburban and urban interests together to plan for the region’s future. By encouraging investment in attractive, livable urban centers and suburban areas, we relieve pressure to convert forests and farmland to speculative development. We direct growth where it makes sense -- reducing the number of miles that people drive. This cuts fuel use, greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and traffic. When we protect our rural lands, we steward the natural resources that we all depend on -- bettering our health and quality of life.