Description

Elevation: 969 ft.

Potters Creek Farm offers a glimpse into history as a former tobacco farm. This site also provides access to several hundred acres of mixed brush lands and pines in various stages of growth. The farm has been managed to promote habitat for bobwhite quail, making it an excellent site to search for this declining species. Other birds to search for include indigo bunting and prairie warbler in summer, and a variety of sparrows join resident cardinals and blue jays in winter. If the visitor travels further away from the road, there are several ponds that should be checked for migrant waterfowl in spring and fall. The largest of these ponds is encircled by a number of tall trees housing great heron nests, and another serves as a habitat for beavers. The fields of Potters Farm hold a healthy population of white-tailed deer as well as supporting more furtive creatures such as red fox and the occasional river otter. Additionally, wild turkeys can be found in abundance in these fields. The streams crisscrossing the farm are perfect for searching out a variety of damsel and dragonfliesm, and the fields should be checked for numerous wildflowers and their attendant butterflies. Route 899 (Potters Creek Road) is a quiet country lane that offers an opportunity to drive slowly and view wildlife. There are many pull off points and farm roads for parking or further exploration.

Directions

Physical Address: 1800 SR 790, Penhook, VA 24137

The farm encompasses the fields on both sides of SR 790/899. Ask at the grey, two-story farmhouse about access to the rolling hills and bottomlands.

From US 220 in Roanoke/Rocky Mount, continue south. Take the exit towards Rocky Mt/US 220 BUS N, and turn left (east) onto Doe Run Rd. In 7.9 miles, turn left (northeast) onto SR 646/718 and continue for 0.4 miles. Turn right (east) onto SR 646. After 5.5 miles, turn left (northeast) onto SR 890 and continue for 1.8 miles. Turn left onto SR 790/899 and follow this road until the farmhouse appears to the left.

From US 29 BUS in Danville, continue north towards Lynchburg/Martinsville. Turn left at Franklin Tpke (SR 41) and continue for 20.1 miles. Then, turn right (northeast) onto SR 57 E and continue for 0.3 miles. Turn left (north) onto Sago Rd and follow for 6.8 miles. Continue onto SR 969 for 3.5 miles, and then turn right (east) onto SR 890. In 0.2 miles, turn left (north) onto SR 790/899 and follow this road until the farmhouse appears to the left.