SITE DESCRIPTION:
Nestled against the western side of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Mount Joy Pond Natural Area Preserve supports one of the world’s largest populations of the globally rare Virginia sneezeweed. This and several other rare plants are associated with the large, globally rare sinkhole pond, which is the centerpiece of the preserve. Most of the surrounding rolling landscape is a maturing forest of hardwoods and pines.
Nestled against the western side of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Mount Joy Pond Natural Area Preserve supports one of the world’s largest populations of the globally rare Virginia sneezeweed. This and several other rare plants are associated with the large, globally rare sinkhole pond, which is the centerpiece of the preserve. Most of the surrounding rolling landscape is a maturing forest of hardwoods and pines.
Natural sinkhole ponds in the Shenandoah Valley are quite rare. The ponds are easily degraded through filling or draining. Less than two dozen of these ponds, all in Augusta or Rockingham County, support the Virginia sneezeweed and other rare species.
VISITATION:
This recently acquired preserve has no public access facilities.
Also, part or all of the preserve may be periodically closed for resource protection or prescribed burning activities. Please call before visiting.
Locality
Augusta
Owner
DCR
Preserve Size
274 acres
Access
By Arrangement with Steward
CONTACT INFO
For additional information or to arrange a visit,
contact:
Ryan Klopf, Mountain Region Steward, (540) 265-5234.