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Redrock Mountain Natural Area Preserve

Coordinates: 36°54′43″N 81°47′32″W / 36.912°N 81.7921°W / 36.912; -81.7921
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Redrock Mountain Natural Area Preserve
Map showing the location of Redrock Mountain Natural Area Preserve
Map showing the location of Redrock Mountain Natural Area Preserve
Location within Virginia
LocationSmyth County, Virginia
Coordinates36°54′43″N 81°47′32″W / 36.912°N 81.7921°W / 36.912; -81.7921[1]
Area640 acres (260 ha)
Governing bodyVirginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

Redrock Mountain Natural Area Preserve is a 640-acre (260 ha) Natural Area Preserve located in Smyth County, Virginia.[2] The preserve is named for the 4,413-foot (1,345 m) Redrock Mountain, which itself is named for its red siltstone cliffs.[3][4] It supports a number of rare natural features, and two natural community types, including examples of "mountain/piedmont basic woodlands" upon the mountain's slopes, and "rich cove/slope forests" in the preserve's lowlands. Five rare plant species are found on the property, including spring blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia verna), fringed scorpion-weed (Phacelia fimbriata), and Carey saxifrage (Saxifraga careyana).[2]

The preserve was expanded with the purchase of 96 acres (39 ha) in 2016. The expansion connected the preserve with the Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area, located nearby.[3]

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.[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Redrock Mountain Natural Area Preserve". Private Landowner Network. Resources First Foundation. Retrieved December 26, 2016.
  2. ^ a b c "Redrock Mountain Natural Area Preserve". Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved December 26, 2016.
  3. ^ a b "Governor McAuliffe Announces $6.42 Million in Land Conservation Grants". Office of the Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources. September 22, 2016. Retrieved December 26, 2016.
  4. ^ "Redrock Mountain". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved December 26, 2016.
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