SITE DESCRIPTION:
Folly Mills Creek Fen Natural Area Preserve is a 29-acre property containing an outstanding example of a
Shenandoah Valley fen community. The preserve is located in the floodplain of Folly Mills Creek, a tributary
of the Shenandoah River. A fen is a special type of wetland with surface water originating from artesian springs
and groundwater seepage at the base of a hill. This particular wetland is fed by artesian springs from an
aquifer in the fractured limestone bedrock of the region. Here, calcareous or circumneutral groundwater
fosters the establishment of an interesting plant community with several rare and unusual plants. These
types of wetlands were once more common in the Shenandoah Valley, but most of the examples have been lost
through drainage and conversion to other land uses. The vegetation is dominated by sedges and other herbaceous
plants, cattails, and scattered shrubs. Rare species such as bog buckbean, pussy willow, queen-of-the-prairie,
shining ladies'tresses, prairie sedge and smooth loosestrife can be found here.
This preserve is owned by Dr. Robert Mueller and his wife Elizabeth Mueller, of Augusta County. They
are the first landowners in Virginia to dedicate their private property as a Virginia Natural Area Preserve.
VISITATION:
This preserve is not open for public visitation. Access to the site may be arranged by contacting the owners
at 540/885-6983.
