The Shadow
RICHMOND, Va — Plans are moving forward in Halifax County for the ecological restoration and recreation project made possible by the largest private land donation to the Commonwealth of Virginia.
In early 2022, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation acquired 7,369 acres formerly known as Falkland Farms. The property, on the western border of Staunton River State Park and south of Difficult Creek Natural Area Preserve, brings together a total of 10,000 acres of DCR public lands.
Virginia State Parks and the Virginia Natural Heritage Program, both part of DCR, are managing the site together.
“The Falkand property presents a rare opportunity to conserve natural resources at a landscape scale in the Commonwealth,” said DCR Director Matthew Wells. “We’re incredibly excited about expanding public access to outdoor recreation while protecting southern piedmont forests and habitat for highly significant rare species.”
“The Falkland project is a tremendous win for Halifax County and Southside Virginia,” said Senator Tammy Mulchi. “It protects our natural resources while creating new opportunities for outdoor recreation for families, visitors, and future generations.”
“This project preserves thousands of acres of beautiful Virginia landscape, safeguards important wildlife habitats, and opens the door for new opportunities in outdoor recreation,” said Delegate Tommy Wright. “I’m proud to see such a significant investment in both conservation and the enjoyment of our natural resources for generations to come. This is a huge benefit for Halifax County and the entire Southside region.”
Southside Savanna Natural Area Preserve
Roughly half of the land, 3,899 acres, was dedicated on Dec. 21, 2023, as part of the state’s natural area preserve system. Virginia’s newest preserve, the 67th, was officially named Southside Savanna in April. It is managed by the Virginia Natural Heritage Program, whose mission is to conserve Virginia’s native biodiversity.
Many of these acres feature hardpan soils, underlain by Virgilina greenstone and Aaron slate, which support habitat for rare and threatened plants and significant natural communities.
There are two sections of Southside Savanna; the larger section is on the western side of the property. Another portion of the eastern half of the property was also dedicated.
The project was supported by a 2021 grant from the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation.
“By bringing this property into management alongside Difficult Creek Natural Area Preserve, we now have an opportunity to steward one of the largest remaining piedmont savannas in the eastern United States as a single, connected landscape,” said Lesley Starke, chief of natural areas stewardship. “This unified approach allows us to focus on restoring the land’s historic savanna and open woodland character, honoring the region’s natural heritage while guiding its continued renewal and resilience for future generations.”
Scientists from the Virginia Natural Heritage Program have been surveying and collecting data and samples since the property came into DCR ownership. They have documented several rare, threatened and endangered species and continue to study the natural heritage resources on site.
A new Natural Heritage steward has been hired as the regional supervisor for the new Southern Piedmont Region and the agency is in the process of hiring a second steward focusing on preserve operations and law enforcement.
Falkland State Conservation Area
The other 3,470 acres will eventually offer recreational opportunities as the Falkland State Conservation Area.
While the area is not yet open to the public, Virginia State Parks is actively working on the next steps for its future. This includes finalizing plans for a system of multi-use trails that will accommodate a variety of recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking and horseback riding.
The goal is to thoughtfully design routes that balance visitor enjoyment with the protection of the property’s natural and cultural resources. These trails will serve as a foundation for the area’s eventual opening, ensuring that when the time comes, the public will have safe, sustainable and meaningful ways to explore Falkland’s unique landscapes.
“The Falkland State Conservation Area is a significant addition to our system, one that will preserve vital landscapes while creating new opportunities for outdoor recreation,” said Virginia State Parks Director Dr. Melissa Baker. “Our priority now is thoughtful planning to ensure that when the area opens, it offers the highest quality visitor experience while protecting the resources that make it so special.”
In addition to the multi-use trails, the Falkland State Conservation Area will continue to offer managed hunts to help control the area’s deer population.
The Falkland State Conservation Area will be staffed jointly by Virginia State Parks and Natural Heritage. The divisions plan to oversee the land with forest management, invasive species control and prescribed fire.
