Redrock Mountain Natural Area Preserve is a 640-acre (260 ha) Natural Area Preserve located in Smyth County, Virginia.[2] The preserve is named for the 4,413-foot (1,345 m) Redrock Mountain, which itself is named for its red siltstone cliffs.[3][4] It supports a number of rare natural features, and two natural community types, including examples of "mountain/piedmont basic woodlands" upon the mountain's slopes, and "rich cove/slope forests" in the preserve's lowlands. Five rare plant species are found on the property, including spring blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia verna), fringed scorpion-weed (Phacelia fimbriata), and Carey saxifrage (Saxifraga careyana).[2]
The preserve was expanded with the purchase of 96 acres (39 ha) in 2016. The expansion connected the preserve with the Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area, located nearby.[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
References
- ^ "Redrock Mountain Natural Area Preserve". Private Landowner Network. Resources First Foundation. Retrieved December 26, 2016.
- ^ a b c "Redrock Mountain Natural Area Preserve". Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved December 26, 2016.
- ^ a b "Governor McAuliffe Announces $6.42 Million in Land Conservation Grants". Office of the Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources. September 22, 2016. Retrieved December 26, 2016.
- ^ "Redrock Mountain". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved December 26, 2016.
External links