SITE DESCRIPTION:
Dendron Swamp along the Blackwater River supports Virginia's finest bald cypress - tupelo swamps. Canopy trees
are consistently over 30 meters tall for a distance of two miles along the Blackwater River. The cypress-tupelo
swamp shows only occasional signs of disturbance from logging. Some of the larger cypress trees are 180 to 200
cm in diameter and are estimated to be at least 600 years old. This Natural Area Preserve includes the Charles
C. Steirly Natural Area which was donated to the Department of Conservation and Recreation to protect a nesting
site for the Great Blue Heron. The natural area consists of 19 acres located on the southern side of the western
reach of the Blackwater River in Sussex County. There are historic records of both Great Blue Herons and American
Egrets using this area as a nesting site.
VISITATION:
This preserve has no public access facilities. Please call before visiting.
