| Johnsons Creek Natural Area Preserve | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Location | Alleghany County,Virginia |
| Coordinates | 37°50′04″N80°04′51″W / 37.8344°N 80.0809°W /37.8344; -80.0809[1] |
| Area | 99 acres (40 ha) |
| Established | 1990 (1990) |
| Governing body | Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation |
Johnsons Creek Natural Area Preserve is a 99-acre (40 ha)Natural Area Preserve located inAlleghany County,Virginia. It contains a variety of trees, including ancientred cedars,oaks, andpines, all of which stand on steepshalebluffs overlooking Johnsons Creek.[2]
The preserve protects a type ofnatural 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 theRidge and Valley region.[3] Several rare plants are found at Johnsons Creek Natural Area Preserve, including the shale-barrenrockcress (Boechera serotina).[2]
Johnsons Creek Natural Area Preserve was initially purchased byThe Nature Conservancy, and was dedicated as a Natural Area Preserve in 1990.[3] 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.[2]
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