Johnsons Creek Natural Area Preserve

Johnsons Creek Natural Area Preserve is a protected site on steep shale slopes with bluffs rising about 300 feet (90 meters) above the creek. Ancient red cedars and oaks grow across this rugged terrain throughout the preserve.

The Nature Conservancy acquired the land in 1990 and transferred it to Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation for long-term protection. This move secured the site as a natural area preserve under state management.

This habitat is home to rare plant species found only in the Ridge and Valley region of Virginia. The specialized ecosystem supports organisms that thrive specifically on shale-barren soil conditions.

Access requires arranging a visit with a state land steward in advance, as no public facilities exist on site. The steep slopes are hazardous, so wear proper footwear and move carefully.

The preserve supports shale-barren rockcress and six other rare species that live nowhere else in conditions like these. These specialists demonstrate how life adapts to extremely demanding soil and slope conditions.

GPS coordinates: 37.83440,-80.08090

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:47