Cleveland Barrens Natural Area Preserve
Cleveland Barrens Natural Area Preserve is a 1,288-acre (5.21 km2) Natural Area Preserve located within the Clinch River Valley in Russell County, Virginia.[1]
| Cleveland Barrens Natural Area Preserve | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Location | Russell County, Virginia |
| Coordinates | 36°56′8″N 82°9′18″W |
| Area | 1,288 acres (5.21 km2) |
| Governing body | Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation |
The preserve protects several dolomite barrens, a globally rare natural community.[1] These areas are typically small, natural openings in otherwise forested landscapes, characterized by thin calcareous soils, dry conditions, and exposed bedrock including limestone or dolomite.[2] At the Cleveland Barrens Natural Area Preserve, four such barrens are found on steep, southwest-facing slopes; these barrens are dominated by various warm-season grasses, such as indiangrass, big bluestem, and little bluestem. Thirteen rare plant species and three rare insect species make use of the habitat found in the preserve.[1]
The preserve is owned and maintained by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. It does not include improvements for public access, and visitors must make arrangements with a state-employed land steward prior to visiting.[1]
See also
- List of Virginia Natural Area Preserves
References
- "Cleveland Barrens Natural Area Preserve". Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
- "Limestone and Dolomite Barrens". The Natural Communities of Virginia, Classification of Ecological Community Groups. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. February 2016. Retrieved December 16, 2016.