Cowbane Prairie Natural Area Preserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cowbane Prairie Natural Area Preserve |
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 Cowbane Prairie Natural Area Preserve
Location in Virginia
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| Location | Augusta County, Virginia |
| Nearest city | Stuarts Draft |
| Area | 147 acres (59 ha) |
| Governing body | Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation |
Cowbane Prairie Natural Area Preserve is a special natural area in Augusta County, Virginia. It covers about 147 acres (59 hectares). This preserve is located near the Blue Ridge Mountains in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. It's a protected place that helps keep unique plants and habitats safe.
Contents
What Makes Cowbane Prairie Special?
This preserve protects two very important types of land. It has `mesic` (which means it's not too wet and not too dry) and wet `prairie` habitats. A prairie is like a large grassland. It also has a `marsh` that gets its water from springs rich in `calcium carbonate`. This makes the soil special.
Rare Plants and Habitats
These areas are home to eleven types of plants that are rare in Virginia. Some examples are `queen-of-the-prairie`, `blueflag iris`, and `marsh-speedwell`. These plants are common in the central United States. However, in Virginia, you can only find them in a few special spots like Cowbane Prairie.
Who Manages the Preserve?
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation owns and takes care of Cowbane Prairie. Their job is to protect these rare plants and habitats.
Visiting Cowbane Prairie
This preserve is not set up for public visits without permission. If you want to visit, you need to arrange it with a state land steward. This helps protect the delicate plants and natural environment.
