Camp Roosevelt Recreation Area

Elevation: 1304 ft.

Camp Roosevelt Recreation Area is a pilgrimage of sorts for the wildlife watcher. It was here, in these few acres, where the first Civilian Conservation Corps camp was set up, beginning the greatest single conservation movement in history. The CCC was an initiative of President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression. His inspired vision of protecting natural resources saved many men from the ravages of unemployment and starvation. The CCC built most of the recreation areas throughout western Virginia, not to mention the roads that lead to them.  The remains of the CCC camp are now just a few moss-covered foundations and towering chimneys yet to crumble. As you wander the woods around the recreation area scanning over the remnants of a by-gone era, listen for Carolina wrens and red-eyed vireos. Admire the bronzing leaves of the sassafras and its distinctive aroma, or watch a black swallowtail as it flutters on and off a big bull thistle trying to extract a few drops of energy. In the distance listen to the far carrying call of pileated woodpeckers as they traverse acres upon acres of forest set aside for them and for us.

Notes:

• As with all Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail sites within the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, please visit the Alerts webpage to check this location’s status before heading out.