Preserve Visitation Guidelines

Nature Conservancy preserves are private properties. They are managed to protect fragile resources--native species and plant communities.

You will find few facilities. The trails we do maintain or create are designed to steer visitors away from the most fragile portions of the preserve and toward those areas that can handle more use. Still, we ask you to tread lightly.

Many of the state's preserves are open to visitors, but only for low-impact recreational activities (see list below). Those preserves harboring species or natural communities at risk, however, are not open to the public.

Preparation: the Key to a Safe, Enjoyable Visit
We ask you to prepare for your visit and take proper precautions while on site. 

• Wear comfortable footwear suitable for hiking, but please do not wear heavy, cleated boots - these damage the trails. 
•  To protect yourself from ticks, poison ivy or poison sumac, wear long pants - and tuck them into your socks. 
•  No matter which season of the year it is, each person in your party should bring a full water bottle. Dehydration is a serious risk at any time of the year.

Preparation: What to Bring
To get the most from your visit, and to protect yourself from the elements, you may want to include the following items in your backpack: 

• Binoculars 
• Camera
• Compass 
• Field guides (to wildflowers, birds, butterflies and other natural features)
• Insect repellant 
• Rain gear 
• Snack (fruit or trail mix) 
• Sunscreen

What You Can Do
The following activities are permitted on Conservancy preserves:

• Birdwatching 
• Hiking 
• Nature Study 
• Photography 
• Boating (in some cases)

What You Cannot Do
The following activities are not permitted on Conservancy preserves:

• Biking 
• Camping 
• Caving 
• Driving an ATV or off-road vehicle 
• Cooking or camp fires 
• Fishing or trapping 
• Horseback riding 
• Hunting 
• Littering
• Pets 
• Picking flowers, berries, nuts or mushrooms 
• Removing any part of the natural landscape (shells, rocks, etc.) 
• Rock climbing 
• Swimming

Respect Our Neighbors' Property
Please do not trespass on private property adjacent to Conservancy preserves. Property lines are clearly marked with small yellow signs featuring the Conservancy's logo.

Contact Us
For more information, please contact our State Office:
490 Westfield Road
Charlottesville, VA 22901
(434) 295-6106
open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday