Nestled against the western side of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Mount Joy Pond Natural Area Preserve supports one of the world’s largest populations of the globally rare Virginia sneezeweed. This and several other rare plants are associated with the large, globally rare sinkhole pond, which is the centerpiece of the preserve. Most of the surrounding rolling landscape is a maturing forest of hardwoods and pines.
Natural sinkhole ponds in the Shenandoah Valley are quite rare. The ponds are easily degraded through filling or draining. Less than two dozen of these ponds, all in Augusta or Rockingham County, support the Virginia sneezeweed and other rare species.
VISITATION:
This recently acquired preserve has no public access facilities. Access by arrangement with Steward.
Also, part or all of the preserve may be periodically closed for resource protection or prescribed burning activities. Please call before visiting.
Contact Mount Joy Pond Natural Area Preserve
REMINDER: This listing is a free service of VirginiaLandCAN.
Mount Joy Pond Natural Area Preserve is not employed by or affiliated with the Virginia Land Conservation Assistance Network, and the Network does not certify or guarantee their services. The reader must perform their own due diligence and use their own judgment in the selection of any professional.
Contact Mount Joy Pond Natural Area Preserve
Tyler Urgo
Shenandoah Valley Region Steward
State Rte 608
Raphine, VA 24472
Phone: (540) 487-9939
Service Area
