RICHMOND, Va. — The Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve in Floyd County, which offers a stunning 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape and protects outstanding natural heritage resources, has been expanded by 975 acres.
Through a partnership with The Conservation Fund, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has acquired land surrounding the three sides of the existing preserve, bringing the total acreage to 2,121.
About 15,000 people each year visit the preserve, which is managed by the Virginia Natural Heritage Program at DCR.
“Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve holds tremendous ecological and cultural significance, and provides a fantastic outdoor recreation experience,” said DCR Acting Director Andrew Smith. “We thank The Conservation Fund for continuing to work with us so that more visitors can enjoy this special part of the New River region.”
“Buffalo Mountain is one of Virginia’s true natural treasures — home to rare species found nowhere else on Earth and offering unforgettable views along the Blue Ridge,” said Heather Richards, vice president, mid-Atlantic region and Virginia director at The Conservation Fund. “We’re proud to partner with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation to ensure this special place is protected and accessible for generations to come. This expansion is just the first step, and together we look forward to more than doubling the public lands available in Floyd County in the years ahead.”
The elevation at Buffalo Mountain’s rounded summit is 3,971 feet. The expansion further protects the habitat for 18 rare species that make their home in the preserve’s forests, wetlands and grasslands. Two of these plants found on the cooler treeless summit are more common further north: three-toothed cinquefoil (Sibbaldia tridentata), and Mountain sandwort (Minuartia groenlandica), which are both low-growing perennials with white flowers.
In November 2023, the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation awarded a $3.6 million grant to DCR for the project, the largest amount in the program’s 26-year history.
In 2024, the Virginia General Assembly approved spending $750,000 to protect and expand the preserve.
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