Elklick Woodlands Natural Area Preserve on the Land Conservation Assistance Network

Elklick Woodlands Natural Area Preserve
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last updated: August 2019

SITE DESCRIPTION:

Elklick Woodlands Natural Area Preserve is owned by the Fairfax County Park Authority and was established through the cooperative efforts of the county, DCR and the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT). In addition to being dedicated as a state natural area preserve, the property is also protected with a conservation easement held by NVCT. The site supports one of the best remaining examples of a globally rare natural community known as a northern hardpan basic oak-hickory forest. This forest type, characterized by white oak, pignut hickory, white ash and redbud, occurs on soils derived from diabase rock and characterized by dense plastic clay soil texture. These are commonly referred to as "shrink-swell" soils. On diabase soils, water ponds during wet periods; however, soil moisture is exceedingly low during droughts. Such fluctuation in soil moisture results in stunted, open-canopy trees but encourages a wide variety of grasses and herbs to occupy the sunlit understory. With a natural range restricted to just a few counties in the northern Virginia and Maryland Piedmont, most examples of this forest-type have disappeared due to the rapid urban and suburban growth of the area.

VISITATION:

This preserve currently has no public access facilities. It is part of more extensive Fairfax County Park Authority land holdings in the area. Access by arrangement with Fairfax Co. Park Authority.

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Elklick Woodlands Natural Area Preserve is not employed by or affiliated with the 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.