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John R. Dickey Birch Branch Sanctuary

Birch Branch
Birch Branch
© Byron Jorjorian

The John R. Dickey Birch Branch Sanctuary is an ideal site to visit during any time of year. The rhododendron thickets bloom in late June and other flowering plants begin to bloom early in the spring and persist through the fall. A historic rustic cabin has been restored to accommodate overnight guests.

Location
Johnson County

This sanctuary is located in Tennessee's easternmost point, Shady Valley. Within the preserve are steep and verdant hillsides, rocky streams, and rolling fields. It is surrounded on three sides by the Cherokee National Forest.

What to See
Aside from natural beauty, the John R. Dickey Birch Branch Sanctuary possesses great native biodiversity. Ideal habitat for a myriad of endemic plant, invertebrate, and mammal species exists throughout the forested hillsides, along the banks of Beaverdam Creek, and among the open fields. A sphagnum-covered bog at an outlet above the creek is the rarest habitat found on the land, and is severely globally imperiled.

In addition, there is a calcareous shale cliff cut by Beaverdam Creek that provides habitat for numerous rare plant and animal species. Similarly, the rhododendron thickets that abound throughout the sanctuary are ideal for the rare Swainson’s warbler as are the forests, which contain the state endangered Carolina Saxifrage (Saxifraga caroliniana). Other areas of particular interest include Beaverdam Creek and its tributary streams, which are abundant in rainbow and brown trout.

There are 4 trail heads on the sanctuary that range in difficulty from moderate to difficult.

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
The 452-acre sanctuary was donated to the Tennessee chapter in December 1996 by Marie Dickey Kalman. The land was originally purchased by Mrs. Kalman’s grandfather, Dr. John R. Dickey, with the purpose of protecting what he believed was "one of the prettiest places on earth."

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
The Nature Conservancy is restoring native warm season grasses to old farm fields. Prescribed burns are a part of this process. The Bristol Bird Club does annual bird counts.