| The Cedars Natural Area Preserve | |
| Map: | Virginia |
| Location: | Lee County, Virginia |
| Coordinates: | 36.6667°N -93°W |
| Area: | 2265acres |
| Governing Body: | Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation |
The Cedars Natural Area Preserve is a Natural Area Preserve located in Lee County, Virginia. It protects rare plant and animal species adapted to the unique conditions of a karst landscape.
The Cedars Natural Area Preserve began as a 50acres procurement by The Nature Conservancy in 1996. The following year, the land was transferred to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation to be managed as a Natural Area Preserve. Additional lands were added to the preserve in the ensuing years.[1] In 2015, a state grant provided $317,711 to expand the preserve through purchase of an additional 150acres, including of frontage along the Powell River.[2]
The Cedars Natural Area Preserve is located in Lee County near the Powell River, within a 30sqmi40sqmi region of karst landscape that is known as "The Cedars". The limestone bedrock in such karst regions is easily eroded, leading to thin soils, sinkholes, caves, and losing streams. The 2265acres preserve's glades and woodlands comprise a rocky and rugged landscape that serves as a haven for numerous rare plants adapted to the habitat.[3] The preserve also protects habitat for the loggerhead shrike, a rare bird within Virginia,[1] and the endangered Lee County cave isopod, Lirceus usdagalun.[4]
Regionally rare plants found within the preserve include:[5]
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.[3]