Johnsons Creek Natural Area Preserve

Johnsons Creek Natural Area Preserve
Map showing the location of Johnsons Creek Natural Area Preserve
Map showing the location of Johnsons Creek Natural Area Preserve
LocationAlleghany County, Virginia
Coordinates37°50′04″N 80°04′51″W / 37.8344°N 80.0809°W / 37.8344; -80.0809[1]
Area99 acres (40 ha)
Established1990 (1990)
Governing bodyVirginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

Johnsons Creek Natural Area Preserve is a 99-acre (40 ha) Natural Area Preserve located in Alleghany County, Virginia. It contains a variety of trees, including ancient red cedars, oaks, and pines, all of which stand on steep shale bluffs overlooking Johnsons Creek.[2]

The preserve protects a type of natural community known as a "shale barrens". Shale barrens are typified by thin soils on south-facing slopes, and feature hot, dry conditions. They are rare in the eastern United States; within Virginia, this type of landscape is restricted largely to the Ridge and Valley region.[3] Several rare plants are found at Johnsons Creek Natural Area Preserve, including the shale-barren rockcress (Boechera serotina).[2]

Johnsons Creek Natural Area Preserve was initially purchased by The Nature Conservancy, and was dedicated as a Natural Area Preserve in 1990.[3] The preserve is owned and maintained by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. It does not include improvements for public access, and visitors must make arrangements with a state-employed land steward prior to visiting.[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Johnsons Creek Natural Area Preserve". The Conservation Tax Center. Resources First Foundation. Retrieved December 20, 2016.
  2. ^ a b c "Johnsons Creek Natural Area Preserve". Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved December 20, 2016.
  3. ^ a b Winegar, Deane; Winegar, Garvey (2002). Highroad Guide to the Virginia Mountains. John F. Blair. pp. 150–151. ISBN 9780895872777.
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