© DCR-DNH, Gary P. Fleming

Cleveland Barrens Natural Area Preserve

The Cleveland Barrens Natural Area Preserve in southwestern Virginia contains a series of significant dolomite barrens, thirteen rare plant species, and three rare insect species. The preserves 1288 acres lie within the Clinch River Valley, one of the top six biodiversity hotspots in the United States. One of the most unique features of the preserve is a globally rare community type known as dolomite barrens. Four significant barrens occur on steep southwest-facing slopes. These unusual openings in the surrounding forest canopy are characterized by thin, rocky soils and dominated by native warm season grasses such as Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium var. scoparium).

VISITATION:
This recently acquired preserve has no public access facilities.

Part or all of the preserve may be periodically closed for resource protection or prescribed burning activities.

A preserve guide factsheet and map are available to assist in planning your visit. You will need the Adobe Acrobat reader to view and or print this factsheet.