SITE DESCRIPTION:
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 1070 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 (
Schizochyrium 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.
