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Blackwater River Preserve

Baldcypress
Bald cypress, Blackwater River Preserve
© Jock Bradley

Why You Should Visit
This preserve has one of the best remaining examples of an ancient bald cypress forest in the Southeast. Biologists estimate that some trees at this preserve are at least 800 years old.

Location
Southampton County, just below Hickaneck Swamp, extending about one mile on the West Bank of the Blackwater River.

Hours
Open year-round, dawn to dusk. Visitors must have permission.

Conditions
Due to the swampy terrain and lack of access by road, the preserve is accessible only by canoe. Spring is the best time to visit because water levels are higher.

How to Prepare for Your Visit
Contact the Virginia State Office: (434) 295-6106. Please see "Preserve Visitation Guidelines"

Directions
The nearest put-in above the preserve is at the Route 621 bridge. Canoeists can take out at the Route 620 bridge.

What to See: Animals
The preserve harbors a  variety of birds, including the colorful prothonotary warbler. It's also home to reptiles, amphibians, snakes, turtles, and a few rare fish species.

What to See: Plants
In addition to the ancient bald cypress trees, the virgin swamp forest features large water tupelo, red maple, and persimmon.

Why The Conservancy Selected This Site
This site was donated to The Conservancy in 1994 by Arthur and Marie Kirk. It was a wonderful opportunity to protect the bald cypress trees.

What The Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
Researchers have used the cypress trees at the preserve to investigate the demise of the original Jamestown colony, which they predate. The trees reveal climate variations over their lifetimes and  indicate that a prolonged drought may have affected the colony's survival. The study has been featured on PBS.

The Southern Rivers, the landscape area that includes Blackwater River Preserve, remains a high priority for conservation action. In 2006, the Conservancy worked with International Paper and private investors to conserve more than 15,000 acres along the Blackwater, Meherrin and Nottoway rivers.