SITE DESCRIPTION:
The Cedars Natural Area Preserve supports an exceptional natural community of rocky, dry, limestone glades
and woodlands located in southwest Virginia. The preserve lies within a significant karst region known as
The Cedars, which covers 30 to 40 square miles in Lee County near the Powell River. The characteristic
feature of the landscape here is "karst", where thin soils develop over easily-dissolved limestone bedrock,
creating terrain that tends to be rolling, rocky, rugged, and full of sinkholes, caves, and sinking streams.
The preserve is a haven for rare plants which are adapted to the mostly thin, nutrient-poor soils of the
area.
VISITATION:
This preserve has no public access facilities.
Part or all of the preserve may be periodically closed for resource protection or prescribed burning
activities.
