PEC works both to create new parks and trails in our region and to sustain the high quality of existing parks and trails. For instance, our strong advocacy for private land conservation has resulted in the permanent protection of over 85,000 acres visible from the Appalachian Trail. Similarly, by working to protect the rural Piedmont landscape, we help to safegaurd Shenandoah National Park as an American treasure. Through our work for better energy and transportation strategies, we also aim to improve the area's air quality and restore pristine views of the mountainous parkland as well as from its peaks.

As the populations of towns and cities grow, it is especially important to ensure that residents have ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. PEC consistently advocates for the provision of sufficient parks, trails and playing fields as part of local and regional planning efforts. We have also played a direct role in a number of parks and trails projects:

The Appalachian Trail

PEC was instrumental in the opening of a new section of the Appalachian Trail with a spectacular view of the Paris Valley on land that PEC purchased for preservation, adjacent to Sky Meadows State Park.

Rappahannock Station Battlefield Park

PEC joined forces with Fauquier County in order to save a key portion of Rappahannock Station Battlefield from development and open this historic, riverside land as a public park. The new park, in Bealeton on the border of Fauquier and Culpeper, will provide much needed access to the Rappahannock, a state Scenic River.

Rivanna Trails in Charlottesville

PEC provides mapping and other assistance to the Rivanna Trails Foundation, which has coordinated the establishment of a walking trail that circles the City of Charlottesville.

Loudoun Outdoors

In the fall of 2007, PEC published the Loudoun Outdoors guide highlighting places in Loudoun where people can hike, bicycle, kayak and otherwise enjoy the outdoors. Meant to be particulaly useful to urban and suburban residents new to the county, this guide was mailed to every household in Loudoun.