Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 12, 2010
Contact:
Grassy Hill Natural Area Preserve hosts Oct. 30 field day
~Event reservations taken starting Oct. 12~
(ROCKY MOUNT, Va.) – The public is invited to explore some of Virginia’s rarest natural resources at Grassy Hill Natural Area Preserve on Saturday, Oct. 30. Reservations are required and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis starting Oct. 12.
Hosted by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, activities include a guided hike which includes a presentation on the natural history, fire ecology and prescribed fire management of the site.
DCR Natural Heritage staff members will give a guided walking tour of the preserve at 10:30 a.m. and lasting approximately two hours.
Participation in the field day is limited to 50 people and reservations are required. Reservations can be made starting at 8 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 12, by calling (804) 786-7951.
This event is one of several being held statewide to showcase Virginia’s Natural Area Preserve System, through which the state’s most significant natural places are protected. It includes some of the rarest natural communities and rare species habitats. Grassy Hill protects a mountain basic woodland community and several rare plant species. It also features nearly seven miles of trails . Statewide, there are 60 dedicated natural areas totaling 50,000 acres. In those areas, more than 350 unique, significant natural communities and rare plant and animal species are protected.
Parking is available at the Franklin County Family YMCA at 235 Technology Dr. in Rocky Mount. To retain the natural conditions of the preserve, restroom and telephone facilities are not available.
For directions to the preserve and to view the trail guide, please visit www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-area-preserves/grassyhill
- 30 -