Grisham's plea: A time to conserve

Need any more evidence that growth issues rank high on the agenda of the high and mighty? Mega-bestselling author John Grisham will soon lend his celebrity status to the PEC, the Piedmont Environmental Council.

Grisham is the keynote speaker for the powerful land-conservation group's September 14 annual meeting, fundraiser, and 30th anniversary bash. The event occurs at Linden Lane Farm in Keswick, an estate that's permanently protected by one of the PEC's favorite devices: a conservation easement.

Grisham's already an expert on those. Since moving to Albemarle County eight years ago, Grisham and his wife, Renee, have put more than 1,000 acres under conservation easement.

"He leads by example very quietly," says PEC's Jeff Werner. "He truly believes in voluntary aspects to protecting the rural landscape."

Want to catch Grisham's thoughts on saving land? We've had a tremendous response," says Werner, but a few tickets still are available. Call Karen Lamond at 540-347-2334 ext. 11, or register online at pecva.org.