Rooted in the Virginia Piedmont – Post #1

Why I’m Starting This Blog

Hello there, and welcome! I’m Karissa—thanks so much for stopping by.

First, a little bit about me and why I’m sitting down to write my very first post. Since I was a child, I’ve felt a deep fascination and respect for nature. I spent many happy days wandering through the woods in Mt. Gretna, Pennsylvania, while visiting with my great aunt and uncle. Those long, meandering walks sparked my imagination, and the artistic, nature-loving community that surrounded us left a lasting impression. My great aunt, in particular, nurtured my connection with the outdoors—planting a seed that’s grown deeper with every passing year.

Though life eventually brought me to Virginia, those magical memories still hold a special place in my heart.

Over the past decade, my husband and I have built our life in the Northern Virginia Piedmont, first in Rappahannock County and now in Fauquier County, where we’re raising our two young children. We were drawn here by a desire to live more intentionally—to be closer to the land, to grow as a family, and to take part in a legacy of conservation and community.

Thanks in part to my in-laws, who steward a family property in Rappahannock under a conservation easement, I was introduced to the people and organizations who make this region so special. Their commitment to protecting both the landscape and supporting thriving communities inspired me to dig in, form connections, and plant roots of my own.

Signs of spring at our home.

During my time as a development team member at the Piedmont Environmental Council, I developed a deeper appreciation for the quiet magic of this region: the rolling hills, the preserved farmland, the winding roads, and most importantly, the people—those who care deeply about protecting the beauty and integrity of the place we call home.

That’s what this blog is all about.

Rooted in the Virginia Piedmont is a space where I’ll:

• Share stories of conservation and community

• Highlight upcoming events

• Point to opportunities for philanthropy and local engagement

• Reflect on my own journey to live more intentionally, closer to nature

  
  

It’s also a personal journey—a way for me to reconnect with the land, deepen my family’s relationship with nature, and help prepare the next generation to be thoughtful stewards of this place.

Whether you’re a longtime local, a transplant like me, or just curious about life in the Virginia Piedmont, I hope you’ll find something here that inspires you. I’m so excited to share this journey with you—and to celebrate the people, places, and possibilities that make this region extraordinary.

More soon,

Karissa