Past Events

Join Laura Young, the Southwest Regional Steward of the VA Natural Heritage Program, to visit one of the most unique natural areas in Virginia.  The Cedars Natural Area Preserve is home to over 30 rare, threatened, or endangered plant and animal species and communities in southwest Virginia.  It also protects and manages for springs, karst features, caves, and riverbanks that are home to over 60 rare, threatened, and endangered aquatic and cave species.  

The targeted unique landscapes range from rocky limestone above ground karst with cliff break ferns and stone crop to dry, fire-maintained prairie glades loaded with big blue stem, hoary puccoon, yarrow leaved ragwort, and lobelias. We have woodland savannas full of milkweeds, mountain mints, and rattlesnake master that are abundant with butterflies and other pollinators during the summer months. As well as wet, rich, coves full of celandine poppies, Virginia blue bells, spring beauties, and bloodroot.  We'll try to take a glance at a wide variety of different communities in various stages of restoration. 

The Cedars is not a typical preserve in the sense of walking trails and parking areas, it exists for the resources first and the humans second.  Plan to be walking through the forest, potentially on uneven ground, and through vegetation at times. It's recommended to wear long pants and sturdy hiking shoes or boots, and bring trekking poles if they would assist you.  Bug spray and sunscreen are recommended as well as whatever food, water, and weather appropriate clothing items you need to have a good day in the woods. 

Participation in this event will be limited to maintain a high-quality experience for all attendees. WOAH members can register starting May 10th, and registration will be available to the others starting May31th. Register by email to:  [email protected]

The Cedars are about 1 ½ hour drive from Bristol.  Confirmation and directions to The Cedars will be provided to the registrants. by email.