© DCR-DNH, Gary P. Fleming

Grayson Glades Natural Area Preserve

This preserve features a globally rare wetland community referred to as a mafic fen. These communities are very limited in Virginia and are characterized by shrubby or herbaceous vegetation, groundwater flow from springs and magnesium-rich soils. Numerous rare species occur here including tuberous grass-pink (Calopogon tuberosus), ten-angled pipewort (Eriocaulon decangulare var. decangulare), large-leaved grass-of-parnassus (Parnassia grandifolia), queen-of-the-prairie (Filipendula rubra), sticky false-asphodel (Triantha glutinosa) and Canada burnet (Sanguisorba canadensis). This property occurs at the headwaters of a small stream system that supports other examples of this globally rare wetland community. It is hoped that additional occurrences of this wetland community will receive protection.

VISITATION:
This preserve has no public access facilities.

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