Description

Elevation: 942 ft.

This 470-acre site contains grasslands, riparian areas, wetlands and large expanses of contiguous forest. Visitors will be particularly impressed with the wetland restoration work that is returning agricultural pastures to their original wetland state. Visitors can expect to see a variety of songbirds on this property because of the wide array of habitats available. In spring, watch for pine warbler, grasshopper sparrow, Acadian flycatcher, and wood thrush. Mammals on this property include a healthy white-tailed deer population and perhaps a river otter or black bear for quiet visitors. The large expanse of moist grasslands with neighboring wetlands will give visitors a good look at a large number of dragonflies and damselflies. In addition, evening visits should provide a wonderful chorus of spring peepers and other frogs in the spring and early summer.

Directions

Location: South of SR 682/Woods Rd on SR 43/Peaks Rd, Bedford, VA 24523

From I-81 near Lexington, continue south for about 20.5 miles. Take exit 167 for US 11 toward Buchanan and turn left onto US 11 S. In 1.4 miles, sharp left onto SR 43 S/Parkway Dr and continue for 4.7 miles. Then turn left onto the ramp to Bedford and turn left onto SR 43 S. In 4.9 miles, turn right to stay on SR 43 S/Peaks Rd and follow for 6.2 miles until the gravel entrance appears to the left.