Deep Run Ponds Natural Area Preserve

LOCALITY	OWNER	ACRES	ACCESS	NEWS
Rockingham	DCR	706	By Arrangement with Steward	Latest News

Alphabetical Listing of Virginia State Natural Area Preserves: Antioch Pines Bethel Beach - Public Access Big Spring Bog Blackwater Ecological Preserve Blackwater Sandhills Buffalo Mountain - Public Access Bull Run Mountains - Public Access Bush Mill Stream - Public Access Camp Branch Wetlands Cape Charles - Public Access Cherry Orchard Bog Chestnut Creek Wetlands Chestnut Ridge Chotank Creek Chub Sandhill - Public Access Cleveland Barrens Clover Hollow Cowbane Prairie Crawford's Knob Crow's Nest - Public Access Cumberland Marsh - Public Access Cypress Bridge Dameron Marsh - Public Access Deep Run Ponds Dendron Swamp Difficult Creek Dundas Granite Flatrock Elklick Woodlands False Cape Fletcher Ford Folly Mills Creek Fen Goshen Pass - Public Access Grafton Ponds Grassy Hill - Public Access Grayson Glades Hickory Hollow - Public Access Hughlett Point - Public Access Johnsons Creek Magothy Bay - Public Access Marks and Jacks Island Mill Creek Springs Mount Joy Pond Mutton Hunk Fen - Public Access Naked Mountain New Point Comfort - Public Access North Landing River - Public Access Northwest River Ogdens Cave Parkers Marsh Parramore Island Pedlar Hills Glades Pickett's Harbor Pinnacle - Public Access Poor Mountain - Public Access Redrock Mountain Savage Neck Dunes - Public Access South Quay Sandhills Sweet Springs The Cedars The Channels - Public Access Unthanks Cave Wreck Island

SITE DESCRIPTION:
The Deep Run Ponds Natural Area Preserve in Rockingham County is one of the largest remaining Shenandoah Valley sinkhole pond systems in Virginia. Shenandoah Valley sinkhole ponds are found along the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Augusta and Rockingham Counties and are characterized by fluctuating water levels throughout the year. These sinkhole ponds comprise one of Virginia's most unusual and conservation-worthy ecosystems and support an interesting assemblage of rare plants and animals. This 668-acre natural area preserve includes eight sinkhole ponds, two of which support the globally rare Virginia sneezeweed (Helenium virginicum). Other rare species here include the Black-fruited spikerush (Eleocharis melanocarpa), Northern St. John's-wort (Hypericum boreale), Buxbaum's sedge (Carex buxbaumii) and Northern bog clubmoss (Lycopodiella inundata).

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

Also, part or all of the preserve may be periodically closed for resource protection or prescribed burning activities. Please call before visiting.

CONTACT:
Adam Christie, Shenandoah Valley Region Steward
Department of Conservation & Recreation
Division of Natural Heritage
(540) 332-9226