Located in the Clinch River watershed, Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve follows Big Cedar Creek to its confluence with the Clinch River. Occasionally, a natural area preserve may be subject to temporary closure to protect sensitive natural heritage resources or to facilitate completion of a resource management activity that benefits natural heritage resources. In 2002, this land, representing Virginia’s easternmost mountains. Jun 24, 2024 · The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. 410542,-76. m to 6:00 p. Jan 23, 2024 · Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124 Jun 10, 2021 · For questions about research on natural area preserves, contact the Natural Areas Science Coordinator, Ryan Klopf (ryan. SITE DESCRIPTION: Most of South Quay (pronounced "key") Sandhills Natural Area Preserve is located in the southwest corner of Suffolk bordering the Blackwater River and the North Carolina state line. Public Access Guide (PDF) Special Events and Hunting; Natural Area Research; Rare Species and Natural Communities. The preserves 1288 acres lie within the Clinch River Valley, one of the top six biodiversity hotspots in the United States. gov). Learn more. 2024-2025 hunt dates: November 25; December 23, 30; January 6, 13, 20, 27. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124 Community Members—become involved with a preserve without committing time to stewardship work. Except for certain specific situations, bicycles, camping, fires, unleashed pets, hunting, off-road vehicles and removal or destruction of plants, animals, minerals or historic artifacts are prohibited on all Virginia Natural Area Preserves. Virginia Natural Heritage Program § 10. Mar 5, 2024 · Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124 Description. Widely recognized as one of Virginia's greatest natural heritage treasures, Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve is a place like no other. Public Access Guide (PDF) Special Events and Hunting; Natural Area Research; Natural Area Protection; Stewardship; Staff; Internships; Natural Area Preserves. Natural area preserves harbor many of Virginia’s exemplary natural communities and rare species, providing visitors with a unique outdoor experience. 1-217 Gifts, devises and bequests The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Natural Area Preserve Closures. Half-day hunting will be available each MONDAY during the last segments of the general duck season. Jul 16, 2024 · This is an opportunity to hunt waterfowl at Dameron Marsh and Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserves in Northumberland County, Virginia. 1-213 Dedication of natural area preserves § 10. was dedicated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation as a natural area preserve to protect the unique Virginia’s Natural Area Preserve System 1 Virginia’s Natural Area Preserve System includes some of the most beautiful, interesting and unusual natural features in the state. Nearly three miles of Grassy Mar 5, 2024 · Camp Branch Wetlands Natural Area Preserve is protected through the close cooperation of the private landowners, Virginia Outdoors Foundation, New River Land Trust, and DCR. Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve is managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Rare Species and Natural Community Search; Rare Species and Natural Community Lists; Natural Communities of Virginia; Locality Summary Maps; Rare Jul 16, 2024 · This is an opportunity to hunt waterfowl at Dameron Marsh and Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserves in Northumberland County, Virginia. It is managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. m Crow's Nest Natural Area Preserve is a large wilderness area located on the southern border of Stafford County, Virginia, United States, between Potomac Creek and Accokeek Creek. Rare Species and Natural Community Search; Rare Species and Natural Community Lists; Natural Communities of Virginia; Locality Summary Maps; Rare The Virginia Natural Area Preserve System is a system of protected areas in the state of Virginia. 6 miles on the Grassy Hill Hiking Trail System that starts at the base in Rocky Mount, Va. S. Parking limitations. Aug 4, 2022 · However, other shoreline areas are closed due to the presence of protected species and nesting birds. May 25, 2023 · The site was dedicated as a Natural Area Preserve in 2002. Respect this area by staying on designated paths, leaving pets in the car or at home, and not removing anything from the area. Natural areas have small (5- to 20-car Bull Run Mountains State Natural Area Preserve contains over 2,350 acres of wilderness with over 100 species of birds, plus a diversity of other wildlife. In addition to being dedicated as a state natural area preserve, the property is also protected with a conservation easement held by NVCT. 1-209 - 217 (Virginia Natural Area Preserves Act), offers strong levels of protection by placing privately and publicly held The Virginia Natural Area Preserves System was established in the late 1980's to protect some of the most significant natural areas in the Commonwealth. Jan 4, 2024 · The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Natural Area Preserves Fund. Mar 11, 2024 · Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124 The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT) dedicated their Potomac Creek Heronry parcel as an addition to the preserve in 2018 and their Potomac Hills parcel in 2020, bringing the total area of Virginia's 54th state natural area preserve to 3,056 acres. Buffalo Mountain, named for its shape, boasts many rare plant and animal occurrences. 0 mile loop through the piratebush population, and a steep and strenuous 4 mile loop that takes several hours to complete. Virginia’s Natural Area Preserve System 1 Virginia’s Natural Area Preserve System includes some of the most beautiful, interesting and unusual natural features in the state. 1-215 Natural Area Preservation Fund established § 10. Most of the trail system is in the Grassy Hill Natural Area Preserve, a 1,295-acre site owned and managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Rare Species and Natural Community Search; Rare Species and Natural Community Lists; Natural Communities of Virginia; Locality Summary Maps; Rare Feb 26, 2021 · Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124 Natural Area Protection; Stewardship; Staff; Internships; Natural Area Preserves. Feb 26, 2021 · Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124 Feb 26, 2021 · Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124 Except for certain specific situations, bicycles, camping, fires, unleashed pets, hunting, off-road vehicles and removal or destruction of plants, animals, minerals or historic artifacts are prohibited on all Virginia Natural Area Preserves. This preserve protects wetlands and headwater streams which enhance water quality and provide habitat to native species such as the imperiled Appalachian snaketail dragonfly. The main parking area serves as the trailhead for a 0. Natural Area Preserve Dedication, in accordance with the Code of Virginia sections 10. Natural area preserves harbor many of our exemplary natural communities and rare species habitats and provide visitors with unique outdoor experiences. It forms the central core of a conservation corridor with the adjacent U. 250703. The combination of high-elevation (3,971 feet), wind-exposed openings Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124 The 316-acre Dameron Marsh Natural Area Preserve is one in a series of protected lands that line the western and eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. This site is named after The Pinnacle which is a 300-foot towering outcrop of dolomite. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124 May 25, 2023 · The 936-acre preserve, which encompasses the southwest face of the gorge, was dedicated as a State Natural Area Preserve in 2002. Directions. "Natural area preserve" means a natural area that has been dedicated pursuant to § 10. A site becomes a component of the preserve system once it is dedicated as a natural area preserve by the Director of the Department of Conservation & Recreation. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124 Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve occupies a series of rocky ridges and steep valleys on Virginia's northern piedmont. Feb 26, 2021 · SITE DESCRIPTION: Both the uplands and bottomlands along the Blackwater River in southeast Virginia support many significant natural areas. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124 May 25, 2023 · Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124 Jul 8, 2024 · The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has expanded Chestnut Ridge Natural Area Preserve by purchasing 775 acres of land, bringing the size of this preserve Feb 26, 2021 · Elklick Woodlands Natural Area Preserve is owned by the Fairfax County Park Authority and was established through the cooperative efforts of the county, DCR and the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT). Preserve Stewards—visit Fernbrook at least 4 times a year to assess trail and preserve conditions and perform basic trail maintenance by removing fallen branches and overgrown vegetation. SITE DESCRIPTION: Dundas Granite Flatrock Natural Area Preserve protects a geological rarity in the Virginia Piedmont: an exposed, gently sloping, granite rock outcrop characterized by abundant mosses and lichens, but sparse vascular plant growth. Chub Sandhill Natural Area Preserve is over 1000 acres of mixed hardwood forest and DCR’s longleaf pine habitat restoration project. This page will be updated as situations change. Managed Hunt Opportunity. The Department of Conservation and Recreation's natural Please remember: Dameron Marsh is a Natural Area Preserve and, as such, contains sensitive natural communities. Location Coordinates: 37. This 445-acre preserve contains rich and diverse habitats that support breeding and migrating birds and butterflies. Apr 25, 2023 · Chestnut Ridge Natural Area Preserve consists of 1,596 acres located in Giles and Bland counties, near the West Virginia border. VNPS is one of the most ardent supporters of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Natural Heritage Program. The preserve consists of sandy shoreline, low dunes and salt marsh habitat separating the eastern side of Winter Harbor in Mathews County from the Chesapeake Bay. 4-mile trail through the mature forest to an observation platform that overlooks the Nottoway River. May 5, 2019 · Natural Area Protection; Stewardship; Staff; Internships; Natural Area Preserves. Respect this area by staying on designated paths, respecting private property signs, leaving pets at home, and not removing anything from the area. River Natural Area Preserve, was acquired and dedicated in 1990. Rare Species and Natural Community Search; Rare Species and Natural Community Lists; Natural Communities of Virginia; Locality Summary Maps; Rare The Channels Natural Area Preserve, located within the Channels State Forest, is managed by the Department of Forestry in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The preserve name is derived from the maze-like system of sandstone crevices and boulders that occur near the summit of Middle Knob on Clinch Mountain. VISITATION: Public access for hiking at Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve is available via a parking area off Route 39 and swinging bridge across the Maury River, both maintained by the Mar 5, 2024 · Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124 Buffalo Mountain is one of the most significant natural areas in Virginia, supporting an amazing 15 rare plant occurrences, three rare animals and nine significant natural communities. Tinker Mountain Winter view of Tinker Mountain from Roanoke, VA. Rare Species and Natural Community Search; Rare Species and Natural Community Lists; Natural Communities of Virginia; Locality Summary Maps; Rare May 23, 2023 · A Virginia natural area preserve near the West Virginia border featuring old-growth forests has doubled in size with funding support from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation. This and several other rare plants are associated with the large, globally rare sinkhole pond, which is the centerpiece of the preserve. It ;contains one of the most significant wetlands on the Chesapeake Bay for marsh-bird communities, and its pristine beach habitat is highly important for the federally threatened northeastern beach tiger beetle (Cicindela dorsalis Aug 11, 2011 · Virginia’s Natural Area Preserve System includes some of the most interesting, unusual and beautiful natural features in the state. The preserve harbors outstanding examples of several Feb 26, 2021 · The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. 48 km 2). Cabin swamp is an exceptional quality wetland community that supports a very high diversity - perhaps 500 plant species - including several mountain disjuncts. The Department of Conservation and Recreation generally offers an annual lottery hunt for white-tailed deer at Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve in Northampton County and at Mutton Hunk Fen Natural Area Preserve in Accomack County. Oct 20, 2023 · The Virginia Natural Area Preserve System was established to conserve natural heritage resources. As of 2024, there are sixty-six (66) dedicated preserves in Virginia totaling 61,153 acres (247. From SR 14 turn onto Rt. Enjoy a half-mile hike up the scenic monadnock. The Channels were likely formed while the high Feb 26, 2021 · The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. VISITATION: Virginia Outdoors Foundation maintains public access facilities at the southern end of the preserve, including hiking trails and parking. Jan 18, 2022 · Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124 Apr 20, 2022 · Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124 Jun 5, 2024 · When the parking lot is full, the natural area preserve is full, and you will need to wait for a spot to open, or come back another time. May 9, 2022 · Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124 Nov 3, 2021 · The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. , and climbs to the ridge line with two trail loops along the ridge top and side slopes. klopf@dcr. VISITATION: This preserve has public parking and a system of hiking Feb 26, 2021 · Nestled against the western side of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Mount Joy Pond Natural Area Preserve supports one of the world’s largest populations of the globally rare Virginia sneezeweed (Helenium virginicum). Check the preserve web page before visiting. SITE DESCRIPTION: Tucked within The Nature Conservancy’s Piney Grove Preserve just west of Wakefield in Sussex County, Piney Grove Flatwoods Natural Area Preserve supports several rare species, including the endangered Red-Cockaded Woodpecker, two amphibians, two plants and a fish. Receive periodic updates about the preserve and special events. Trails include a relatively easy 1. The preserve protects outstanding examples of Virginia's natural communities including an old-growth Central Appalachian Dry-Mesic Chestnut Oak - Northern Red Oak Forest . Dedication as a state Natural Area Preserve affords a natural area formal recognition and stringent legal safeguards for preservation. The combination of high-elevation (3,971 feet), wind-exposed rocky openings at the summit, and magnesium rich soils make it unlike any place else in the Feb 26, 2021 · Legal or administrative designations such as Research Natural Areas and Special Management Areas are important protection on federally owned lands. Rare Species and Natural Community Search; Rare Species and Natural Community Lists; Natural Communities of Virginia; Locality Summary Maps; Rare Natural Area Protection; Stewardship; Staff; Internships; Natural Area Preserves. The preserve is open Friday-Sun with hours depending on season: March 16th - November 14th - 8:00 a. Find out which preserves are open to public use and how to access them. Robert Mueller, were the first private landowners in Virginia to dedicate their private property as a Virginia Natural Area Preserve in 1998. Scan the preserve during any season to May 25, 2023 · Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124 Mar 5, 2024 · Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124 Apr 13, 2022 · The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. 1-214 Virginia natural area preserves system established § 10. Mueller and her late husband Dr. Ms. From the sandhills adjoining the river which once supported longleaf pine to bottomland hardwoods and saturated swamps, these natural areas have been the target of private and public land conservation organizations for many years. 1-216 Natural area registry § 10. Poor Mountain has over 4 miles of hiking trails. Straddling Fauquier and Prince William Counties, the preserve's 2486 acres are owned by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, a state-supported organization dedicated to protecting open space across the Commonwealth. Rare Species and Natural Community Search; Rare Species and Natural Community Lists; Natural Communities of Virginia; Locality Summary Maps; Rare Hickory Hollow's 254 acres of mixed pine-hardwood forest, ravines and Cabin Swamp form an important habitat for migratory songbirds, wild turkey and a rare plant. Jul 2, 2024 · The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT) dedicated their Potomac Creek Heronry parcel as an addition to the preserve in 2018 and their Potomac Hills parcel in 2020, bringing the total area of Virginia's 54th state natural area preserve to 3,056 acres. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Through contributions from members like you, our Society has helped the Program to protect and preserve rare plants and natural communities at Natural Area Preserves across Virginia, including Bush Mill Stream, The Cedars, and Lyndhurst Apr 13, 2022 · Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124 Feb 26, 2021 · Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124 Oct 3, 2023 · This preserve is owned by Elizabeth Mueller of Augusta County. Enjoy panoramic views of 50 miles on a clear day. virginia. May 25, 2023 · The Cleveland Barrens Natural Area Preserve in southwestern Virginia contains a series of significant dolomite barrens, thirteen rare plant species, and three rare insect species. Physical Address: 715 Guarding Point Lane, Kilmarnock, VA 22482 Apr 1, 2024 · Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124 Jun 24, 2024 · The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. We invite you to Learn about the 66 Natural Area Preserves in Virginia that protect rare natural communities and species habitats. Fish and Wildlife Service lands to its south and the Mockhorn Island Wildlife Management Area to its north. Please remember that Bethel Beach is a Natural Area Preserve and as such, contains sensitive natural communities. May 29, 2024 · The namesake Great Channels of Virginia, 400-million-year-old sandstone formations etched into Brumley’s crest, are protected within The Channels Natural Area Preserve. 611. 1-213. Natural Area Protection; Stewardship; Staff; Internships; Natural Area Preserves. Rare Species and Natural Community Search; Rare Species and Natural Community Lists; Natural Communities of Virginia; Locality Summary Maps; Rare Feb 23, 2022 · SITE DESCRIPTION: Located near the town of Grottoes along a portion of the South River, this preserve protects several documented Natural Heritage resources, including three significant geological features (Madisons Saltpetre Cave, Stegers Fissure Cave and part of Grand Caverns), the Madison Cave isopod (Antrolana lira), two cave pseudoscorpions, a cave spider (Bathyphantes weyeri), the Hikers can trek up to 6. Wind, waves and currents create a changing mosaic of maritime habitats. We invite you to Apr 14, 2021 · The Preserve System: The Virginia Natural Area Preserves System was established in the late 1980's to protect some of the most significant natural areas in the Commonwealth. In addition to its namesake, this site holds fascinating geological features including numerous waterfalls and cavern Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124 Mar 11, 2024 · The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. . Shooting-stars (Dodecatheon meadia), uncommon east of the Blue Ridge, alerted the landowners to unusual conditions on their property, which soon led to its dedication as a state natural area preserve. The preserve lies within a significant karst region known as The Cedars, which covers 30 to 40 square miles in Lee County near the Powell River. Natural Area Preserves. The greater portion of the Crow's Nest Peninsula is approximately 3,800 acres (15 km 2 ) and lies within the coastal plain of Virginia . There are currently no preserves closed due to Covid-19. "Natural heritage resources" means the habitat of rare, threatened, or endangered plant and animal species, rare or state significant natural communities or geologic sites, and similar features of scientific interest benefiting the welfare of the Jun 24, 2024 · The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Jun 3, 2024 · The Cedars Natural Area Preserve supports an exceptional natural community of rocky, dry, limestone glades and woodlands located in southwest Virginia. Rare Species and Natural Community Search; Rare Species and Natural Community Lists; Natural Communities of Virginia; Locality Summary Maps; Rare Mar 11, 2024 · Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124 Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124 Feb 26, 2021 · Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124 Mar 11, 2024 · The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. VISITATION: This privately owned preserve has no public access facilities and is not open to the public. ac sw op ck ro ck dj pn wr yl