Difficult Creek Natural Area Preserve

SITE DESCRIPTION:
The vegetation of Virginia is much different from what was found in pre-settlement times. While Virginia's landscape had been mostly forested, there were once open areas where trees were few or sometimes absent. These sites were too wet or too dry or too steep and rocky to support good forest growth. Sometimes tree growth was suppressed by natural fires or fires set by Native Americans. The Difficult Creek Natural Area Preserve in Halifax County is one of those areas that was once grassy and prairie-like with scattered pines and hardwoods. Fire probably played a role in maintaining the open condition.

The significance of this 818-acre preserve was first noted by botanists who discovered several rare plants growing along a roadside and beneath a wide powerline clearing near Difficult Creek. Those open areas places had become became a refuge for the sun-loving grasses and forbs which had been displaced by the loblolly pine stands planted here in more recent times. The rare plants, which are unusual for the Piedmont, are also a reflection of the basic, clay rich soils present in the area. The Difficult Creek Natural Area Preserve will be managed with prescribed fire to re-establish the open grassy conditions of its pre-settlement past.

VISITATION:
This preserve is open for public visitation. Vehicular access restricted to State Secondary Route 719; foot travel is welcome on fire lanes within the Preserve. Over two miles of hiking can be had on the fire access lanes within the preserve.

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