Plumbing Problems? We are here to fix them! FREE Plumbing Inspection on Every Call! FINANCIN AVAILABLG E Plantings for the Piedmont: Plant It Forward Residents across several Northern Virginia counties may be eligible for a unique opportunity to enhance their property and support local ecosystems—at no cost. Through a c ollaborative ef for t bet ween the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) and Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR), Plantings for the Piedmont helps qualifying landowners plant native trees and shrubs that promote environmental health and water quality. near waterways or in upland areas, native trees help prevent erosion, reduce flooding, and improve soil health. Along riverbanks, riparian buffers—vegetated zones adjacent to water—filter pollutants, stabilize streambanks, and provide habitat for fish and wildlife. “Planting native trees is a great way for landowners to provide water and wildlife benefits on their property,” says Linnea Sherman, Plantings for the Piedmont program coordinator at PEC. “Whether it’s their first time thinking about conservation or an ongoing goal, these programs offer a cost-effective way to improve the environment and watershed—both locally and downstream.” Fast & Reliable Service All Repairs Guaranteed Competitive Rates Free Estimates Commercial & Residential New Construction 540-212-9682 Highly Skilled, Licensed Technicians Over 35 Years in Business Water heaters • Water filtration Drain cleaning Gas installation & repair Water & sewer lines $99.00 Water Heater Flush & Inspection *Call for details. $50.00 OFF Hose Bib Replacement *Call for details. $50.00 OFF Any Plumbing Repair *Call for details. In addition to enhancing privacy and aesthetics, tree plantings suppor t cleaner water ways throughout the region and contribute to the health of the PEC Staff and Hackley’s Country Store owner Chesapeake Bay. Programs like at a tree planting project in 2023 this also help Virginia meet its in Amissville, Rappahannock County. Bay cleanup goals, improving Photo by Hugh Kenny/PEC water quality from the mountains The program covers the cost of materials to the coast. Participants receive expert and labor and connects participants with guidance from PEC and the Virginia state and federal cost-share programs. Department of Forestry on choosing PEC also provides grant funding to offset trees and shrubs that attract local wildlife. remaining ex p e n s e s . I n S i n c e 2 0 21, 2025, the PEC has planted program will nearly 25,000 offer up to three trees through years of paid Plantings for the maintenance to Piedmont, help ensure restoring close newly planted to 79 acres of trees thrive. riparian buffer and three acres T he init iat ive of upland forest. t a r g e t s A riparian buffer with new plantings near an Orange properties Planting typically County farm. Photo by Hugh Kenny/PEC located in the occurs in the fall headwaters of the Rappahannock, and early spring. Landowners are Potomac, James, and Yor k r iver encouraged to submit interest forms watersheds, including areas in Albemarle early, as capacity is limited. (covered by the James River Buffer Program), Fauquier, Rappahannock, Plantings for the Piedmont offers these Culpeper, Madison, Greene, Orange, services at no cost to landowners through Loudoun, and Clarke counties. Eligible grant and partner support. If you’re a properties must include a body of water— landowner in a qualifying county, don’t such as a stream, creek, river, pond, or miss this opportunity to improve your land wetland—and upland plantings are and help the environment. Learn more at limited to agricultural land. pecva.org/buffers. Tree plantings benefit both landowners and the environment. Whether installed To advertise: 540-349-8060 Visit Us at vernsplumbing.com 22 Discover Fauquier ■ June/July 2025 ~ Kristy Gillespie www.discoverypubs.com