| Cleveland Barrens Natural Area Preserve | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Location | Russell County,Virginia |
| Coordinates | 36°56′8″N82°9′18″W / 36.93556°N 82.15500°W /36.93556; -82.15500 |
| Area | 1,288 acres (5.21 km2) |
| Governing body | Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation |
Cleveland Barrens Natural Area Preserve is a 1,288-acre (5.21 km2)Natural Area Preserve located within theClinch River Valley inRussell County,Virginia.[1]
The preserve protects severaldolomite barrens, a globally rarenatural community.[1] These areas are typically small, natural openings in otherwise forested landscapes, characterized by thincalcareous soils, dry conditions, and exposed bedrock includinglimestone ordolomite.[2] At the Cleveland Barrens Natural Area Preserve, four such barrens are found on steep, southwest-facing slopes; these barrens are dominated by various warm-season grasses, such asindiangrass,big bluestem, andlittle bluestem. Thirteen rare plant species and three rare insect species make use of the habitat found in the preserve.[1]
The preserve is owned and maintained by theVirginia 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.[1]
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