The Cedars Natural Area Preserve

The Cedars Natural Area Preserve is a protected area in Virginia that covers limestone landscape with caves and sinkholes throughout its expanse. Specialized plant communities thrive here, having adapted to the unique conditions created by the underlying karst geology.

The Nature Conservancy acquired the first parcels in 1996, then transferred management to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation in 1997. This handoff established the formal protection and professional stewardship that continues today.

Local community groups conduct education programs here, helping visitors understand the ecological importance of the karst landscape. These efforts have made the preserve a destination for people interested in learning about limestone ecosystems and their fragile communities.

You must arrange your visit in advance through a state-employed land steward, as the preserve has no public facilities or drop-in access. Planning ahead ensures you can explore the property properly and safely.

Rare plants like Wild Hyacinth and Crawe's Sedge grow nowhere else quite like they do here on the limestone soils. The endangered Lee County cave isopod, a small crustacean found only in these caves, depends entirely on this preserve for its survival.

GPS coordinates: 36.66667,-83.16667

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:02