SITE DESCRIPTION:
The Chestnut Ridge Natural Area Preserve, owned by Bob and Darlinda Gilvary of Bluefield, West Virginia, is a
233 acre old-growth forest located on Chestnut Ridge in Giles County, Virginia. This old-growth tract is part
of a larger 2250-acre forested tract owned by the Gilvarys. The preserve was protected by a natural area preserve
dedication easement which was paid for in part with a grant from the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation and
partial gift from the Gilvarys.
Vegetation ecologists with the Natural Heritage Program discovered the presence of two significant forest communities noteworthy for their old-growth characteristics. The old-growth forest communities here are dominated by northern red oak and chestnut oak. In addition these communities occur in a large matrix of nearly unbroken forest, the extent of which is quite unusual in southwest Virginia. Natural Heritage ecologists confirmed the existence of individual trees that were from 300 to 400 years old. Other canopy species in the forest with old-age individuals include cucumber magnolia and American basswood.
VISITATION:
This preserve is not open for public visitation. Access to the site may be arranged by contacting the owners or:
The 500-Year Forest Foundation
1133 Old Abert Road
Lynchburg, VA 24503
434-384-2324.
www.500yearforestfdn.org
Bryan Wender, Mountain Region Steward
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Division of Natural Heritage
Roanoke, VA
(540) 265-5234.
