| Johnsons Creek Natural Area Preserve | |
| Map: | Virginia |
| Location: | Alleghany County, Virginia |
| Coordinates: | 37.8344°N -80.0809°W |
| Governing Body: | Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation |
Johnsons Creek Natural Area Preserve is a 99acres Natural Area Preserve located in Alleghany County, Virginia. It contains a variety of trees, including ancient red cedars, oaks, and pines, all of which stand on steep shale bluffs overlooking Johnsons Creek.[1]
The preserve protects a type of natural community known as a "shale barrens". Shale barrens are typified by thin soils on south-facing slopes, and feature hot, dry conditions. They are rare in the eastern United States; within Virginia, this type of landscape is restricted largely to the Ridge and Valley region.[2] Several rare plants are found at Johnsons Creek Natural Area Preserve, including the shale-barren rockcress (Boechera serotina).[1]
Johnsons Creek Natural Area Preserve was initially purchased by The Nature Conservancy, and was dedicated as a Natural Area Preserve in 1990.[2] The preserve is owned and maintained by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. It does not include improvements for public access, and visitors must make arrangements with a state-employed land steward prior to visiting.[1]