© DCR-DNH, Gary P. Fleming
Cowbane Prairie Natural Area Preserve
LOCALITY
OWNER
ACRES
ACCESS
NEWS - MANAGED HUNTS
Augusta
DCR
157
By Arrangement with Steward
COVID19 Info
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Alphabetical Listing of Virginia State Natural Area Preserves:
Antioch Pines
Bald Knob
Bethel Beach - Public Access
Big Spring Bog
Blackwater Ecological Preserve
Blackwater Sandhills
Buffalo Mountain - Public Access
Bull Run Mountains - Public Access
Bush Mill Stream - Public Access
Camp Branch Wetlands
Cape Charles - Public Access
Cave Hill
Cherry Orchard Bog
Chestnut Creek Wetlands
Chestnut Ridge
Chotank Creek
Chub Sandhill - Public Access
Cleveland Barrens - Public Access
Clover Hollow
Cowbane Prairie
Crawford's Knob
Crow's Nest - Public Access
Cumberland Marsh - Public Access
Cypress Bridge Swamp
Dameron Marsh - Public Access
Deep Run Ponds
Dendron Swamp
Difficult Creek
Dundas Granite Flatrock
Elklick Woodlands
False Cape
Fletcher Ford
Folly Mills Creek Fen
Goshen Pass - Public Access
Grafton Ponds
Grassy Hill - Public Access
Grayson Glades
Hickory Hollow - Public Access
Hughlett Point - Public Access
Johnsons Creek
Lyndhurst Ponds
Magothy Bay - Public Access
Marks and Jacks Island
Mill Creek Springs
Mount Joy Pond
Mutton Hunk Fen - Public Access
Naked Mountain
New Point Comfort - Public Access
North Landing River - Public Access
Northwest River
Ogdens Cave
Parkers Marsh
Parramore Island
Pedlar Hills Glades
Pickett's Harbor
Piney Grove Flatwoods
Pinnacle - Public Access
Poor Mountain - Public Access
Redrock Mountain
Savage Neck Dunes - Public Access
South Quay Sandhills
Sweet Spring
The Cedars
The Channels - Public Access
Unthanks Cave
Wreck Island
SITE DESCRIPTION:
On the western slope of the Blue Ridge in the Shenandoah Valley, Cowbane Prairie NAP protects outstanding examples of wet prairies, mesic prairies, and calcareous spring marshes which were once common natural communities in the Shenandoah Valley. These communities have been reduced over the years by agricultural and industrial development. Eleven rare plants including queen-of-the-prairie (Filipendula rubra ), blueflag iris (Iris versicolor ), and marsh-speedwell are found at the preserve. Additionally, a reach of the South River within Cowbane Prairie NAP also provides habitat for two watchlisted freshwater mussel species.
VISITATION:
Part or all of the preserve may be periodically closed for resource protection or prescribed burning activities. Please call before visiting.
CONTACT:
Tyler Urgo,
Shenandoah Valley Region Steward
Department of Conservation & Recreation
Division of Natural Heritage
540-487-9939