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ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS
Rappahannock County residents are keen on preserving the scenic beauty, environment and wildlife of their county. Nearly a quarter of the county’s land has been put into scenic easements. The following is a list of private, nonprofit environmental organizations that operate in Rappahannock County:
Krebser Fund for Rappahannock County Conservation: The fund was created in honor of Dr. Werner Krebser, who served on the Rappahannock County Planning Commission for 22 years and provided a strong voice for preserving Rappahannock’s scenic beauty and open spaces. The Krebser Fund is an advisory committee to the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC), providing funding recommendations to PEC in support of projects that promote local land conservation, environmental stewardship and environmental education in Rappahannock County. For more information about the Krebser Fund, contact Claire Catlett, PEC Rappahannock Land Conservation Field Representative at 540-347-2334 or ccatlett@pecva.org or visit pecva.org.
Native Wildlife Rescue: This organization rescues sick, injured or orphaned wildlife and rehabilitates and releases them. Contact Wildlife Center
The Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD) is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Geographically it includes the counties of Culpeper, Greene, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock. Founded in 1939 by citizens concerned about soil and water conservation, the CSWCD is one of the largest of 47 conservation districts within Virginia and serves an area covering 1,445 square miles with about 91,000 constituents.
• Administers the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost Share and Tax Credit Programs
• Administers four 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Reduction grants
• Administers watershed specific septic cost share program
• Delivers professional education services to public and private schools as well as local community groups
• Provides technical conservation planning services to all residents and local governments of Virginia or 540-942-9453, email: wildlife@wildlifecenter. org or visit wildlifecenter.org. ecosystem awareness, bonfires and deep ecology discussions and programs. Contact director Hunt Harris at 540-244-0827 or hunthharris@gmail.com.
The mission of CSWCD is to promote the stewardship of soil and water and the conservation of our natural resources by educating and providing technical assistance to manage, protect and enhance the land and water for the benefit and enjoyment of the citizens of Culpeper, Greene, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock Counties.
Piedmont Environmental Council: Since 1972, the Piedmont Environmental Council has proudly promoted and protected the natural resources, rural economy, history and beauty of the Virginia piedmont. PEC empowers residents to protect what makes the piedmont a wonderful place, and works with citizens to conserve land, protect air and water quality and restore wildlife habitat. PEC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and accredited land trust. Learn more at pecva.org.
Rappahannock League
Ragged Mountain Resource Center: The center helps coordinate local and regional educational and recreational activities, such as hikes, natural history programs, watershed and for Environmental Protection: RLEP is dedicated to preserving the natural resources and rural character of Rappahannock County including its night skies and view of the Milky Way. RLEP holds its Stroll for the Soul to promote propagation of native plants, which feed native insects and caterpillars, and sustain our native songbird population. It supports clean streams, good farming practices, conservation easements and stands ready to protect against industrial intrusion by pipe and power lines. Contact Rick Kohler, president Rick@ RLEP.org or visit rlep.org .
Rappahannock Nature
Camp: A nonprofit natural history summer day camp on the Hazel River in Sperryville, it has been in operation since 1986. The camp creates a fun community that fosters a connection to the natural world through active exploration, observation, inquiry and the arts. The day camp, for campers ages 8-16, runs in four week-long sessions in June and July. Scholarships are available. The Perennial Campers program, offering field trips for interested adults and teens, runs in the spring and fall. Check out rappnaturecamp. org, or call Director Rachel Bynum at 540-252-6308.
