Your Piedmont Countryside

Taking an aerial view of the northern Piedmont region will allow you to appreciate all the characteristics that contribute to the foundation of our way of life. Our historic byways and gravel roads, of which we have the highest concentration in the country, tie us together, connecting small rural villages where locals gather and welcome visitors. They are encompassed into the many unique historic districts that provide another layer of interest and guidance that further define our identity. We are all stewards of this historic landscape, and it is important to support the big picture of preservation beyond the boundaries of your own property.

 

There are three areas of civic engagement for you to consider, all of which are of equal importance. The first is taking an advocacy role, by supporting your community on active preservation efforts to protect our cherished resources and opposing development proposals that are incompatible with their environs. This could take the form of speaking at a public hearing in favor of saving an historic structure or joining a community movement to oppose a large event center that would bring unwanted noise, traffic, and light pollution to the surrounding landscape.

 

Similarly, it is also important to vote for committed conservationists in local elections, acknowledging that almost all our major preservation wins have come with bipartisan support. The rhythm of local politics often has very little in common with state and federal politics and it is vital to approach each election with a neutral viewpoint until you learn the positions of the candidates involved.

 

Finally, there are many local nonprofits who work to protect our special part of the world, each with their own mission and origin, but all with a passionate commitment to work together to preserve the northern Piedmont for future generations. We encourage you to get to know the organizations listed at the end of this section by reading their materials and attending their events. Once you have a grasp of what drives them, please consider supporting the nonprofits that best align with your interests. These organizations are very experienced in conservation issues and know how to make an impact.