Each week, C-VILLE’s Green Scene page takes a look at local environmental news. The section’s bulletin board has information on local green events and keeps you up to date on statewide happenings. Got an event or a tip you’d like to see here and in the paper? Write us at news@c-ville.com.
Garden variety: This weekend marks the beginning of Virginia’s 80th annual Historic Garden Week. Starting Saturday, April 20, visitors are welcomed to more than 250 of the Commonwealth’s most beautiful and historic gardens, homes, and landmarks. Tours in the area run Saturday through Tuesday, and include Charlottesville, Albemarle, Nelson County, and Wintergreen.
Sunday fun day: Environmental nonprofit Earth Week is hosting its 13th annual Eco Fair this weekend. On Sunday, April 21, come to the Main Street Arena on the Downtown Mall between noon and 6pm to check out local exhibitors, music, vendors, food, and more. The event is free and family friendly, and will include a book swap and workshops on home energy, brewing kombucha, and green living recipes.
Gold medalists: The Piedmont Environmental Council has received the 2013 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award for land its conservation program. The PEC’s nine-county region has more than 357,000 acres of privately protected land, making it one of the most successful areas in the U.S. for private land conservation, according to a press release. PEC’s Vice President of Rural and Conservation Programs, Heather Richards, accepted the award at the Environment Virginia Symposium in Lexington last week.