Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection (RLEP)

Founded in 1970 by Phil Irwin, the Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection (RLEP) is a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to conserving the natural resources, rural character, and environmental quality of Rappahannock County, Virginia. With the rallying cry 'It's okay to be different,' RLEP works to keep Rappahannock County distinct from surrounding development pressures through zoning advocacy, legal engagement, and community education. RLEP's active programs address some of the most pressing environmental concerns facing the region. A dedicated Zoning Committee — supported by outside legal counsel — monitors and challenges problematic development proposals, from utility-scale solar fields to oversized country inns. The organization's Dark Skies program works to protect Rappahannock's famously star-filled nights, hosting monthly observation evenings at Rappahannock County Park. Additional programs include Adopt-a-Highway stewardship along Route 211, Stroll for the Soul nature walks (limited to 15 participants), and educational resources through their Almanac. Membership starts at $25 per person annually and is tax-deductible. RLEP welcomes volunteers and community members to get involved — whether by monitoring zoning applications, attending Planning Commission meetings, or simply spreading the word about preserving what makes Rappahannock special.