Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Garden

Elevation: 1145 ft.

The eclectic Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Garden are the legacy of the late Dr. Robert S. Munger and a center point for environmental education in western Virginia. Fifteen acres of garden hosting two ponds, a variety of native plant species, 2500 + labeled cultivars from around the planet as well as numerous sculptures provide the perfect location to wander the trails. Learn about the importance of our environment or just sit and contemplate the complexities of nature. Dr. Munger’s dedication and off-kilter sense of the aesthetic has left a unique endowment for future generations. Adjacent to the gardens is The Meadow, a natural burial ground. It feels like an open, wilder extension of Boxerwood and visitors are welcome to walk the area. A notice will be posted if an internment is scheduled.

The Children’s Play Trail is a fun place for kids to look for wildlife, from worms to insects to birds. Photo Credit: Carolyn Rubinfeld/DWR

Common species such as mourning dove, Carolina chickadee, tufted titmouse, blue jay, and northern cardinal are more easily seen than the skulking but vocal gray catbird, brown thrasher and eastern towhee. The many towering trees of the area are home to downy, red-bellied and pileated woodpeckers as well as yellow-bellied sapsucker during the winter months. The garden’s two ponds host eastern painted turtle and the occasional snapping turtle while their banks buzz with dragonflies such as common whitetail, common green darner and eastern pondhawk. The abundant blooming flowers attract a variety of swallowtails with the vibrant eastern tiger swallowtail being an almost constant companion.