Public Lands Day Natural Area Preserve Guided Hike

I was recently able to take advantage of a chance to see Piedmont mafic barren and the rare Piedmont fameflower.  September 30 was Public Lands Day in Virginia, celebrated by Natural Area Preserve Guided Hikes. Colin Huber from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) led a small group up Bald Knob in Rocky Mount.

According to DCR’s description, “Bald Knob is one of the most significant conservation sites in the Piedmont and is known for the largest occurrence of Piedmont fameflower on Earth. Because of its exposed rock and poor soils, few plants survive on the rocks, giving visitors a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape.”

The beautiful day did not disappoint! The five of us took a botanist’s pace to the top of Bald Knob to be greeted by stunning blue sky views in all directions. Fruiting prickly pear cactus, bluecurls and fameflower were the prizes to be found at the top. We were also able to collect some remains of fireworks and other trash from the site.

Thanks to Colin for a fascinating outing and for all the support DCR gives BRFAL. What a great resource (pun intended)!

Smith Mountain on the horizon

Fruiting prickly pear

Bluecurls (trichostema dichotomum) against hat brim

Fameflower, too early in the day to open

Vistas all around!