Lesesne State Forest, State forest in Nelson County, Virginia.
Lesesne State Forest is a state forest in Nelson County with diverse landscapes on the lower slopes of Three Ridges Mountain. The land consists of hardwood forests, open grasslands, and two dedicated research orchards that together cover roughly 34 acres.
The land was used as farmland from colonial times until Anne Du Pont Valk donated it in 1968 for American chestnut conservation and research. That donation marked a turning point when agricultural fields were converted into a protected area for scientific purposes.
The research orchards here serve an important purpose in regional scientific work and demonstrate efforts to restore threatened tree species. Visitors can sense the significance of this mission through the maintained test plots and their careful arrangement.
The forest is accessible via Route 680 and open only during daylight hours, so plan for a daytime visit. A State Forest Use Permit is required for activities such as hiking or hunting on the grounds.
Alongside its chestnut research programs, the forest also maintains experimental plots for walnut research and restoration. These parallel projects show a broader approach to bringing back native tree species to the region.
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