RLEP Give Local Piedmont 2024

The Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection is dedicated to conserving the natural resources and rural character of Rappahannock County, Virginia.

In all of our programs and activities, RLEP’s values – rooted in conserving Rappahannock County’s priceless natural resources, farmland, scenic beauty and rural character – guide the organization. RLEP supports policies and actions that protect and enhance these values and opposes those that threaten or degrade them.

RLEP’s programs include:

• The Nature of Rappahannock ~ a stroll for the soul, a monthly walk on local properties to showcase a variety of ecosystems in the county.
• Saving Dark Skies encourages installation of dark-sky compliant lighting and advocates for responsible lighting practices within the county. RLEP is encouraging StoneHaven’s developers at Clevenger’s Corner to apply the principles for responsible outdoor lighting in selecting outdoor lighting for the development.
• Homegrown National Park, a national initiative, promotes the removal of invasive plants and the planting of natives. For example, RLEP supports efforts to restore native habitat in the county park and along the Sperryville Trail Network.
• Nature Camp Scholarships for Rappahannock County youth.
• Annual Scholarship administered by the Headwaters Foundation for Rappahannock County students who demonstrate an interest in a career or advanced study related to environmental protection, natural resource conservation, environmental technology, earth science or environmental studies.
• Under the auspices of VDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program, RLEP conducts twice yearly litter pickups along Route 211.
• Rappahannock Friends and Lovers of Our Watersheds (RappFLOW) has merged into RLEP to create a single organization. RappFLOW’s focus on water quality and education programs at county schools and other venues provides more opportunities to conserve and protect all of Rappahannock County’s natural resources.
• RappTrails has joined forces with RLEP, adding its programs of family friendly hikes and walks to our agenda.

Now, in 2024 and beyond, RLEP will make a major investment in monitoring and engaging in the update and revision of the County’s Zoning Ordinance. To help us with this effort, RLEP has secured expert legal counsel on zoning matters to help us review and comment on proposed changes in our zoning and subdivision ordinances. Succeeding in our mission to conserve Rappahannock’s priceless natural resources, farmland, scenic beauty and rural character depends on ensuring that our zoning and subdivision ordinances continue to protect the special nature of Rappahannock County.