Orchard Bog and Quarry Bog in Shady Valley

Quarry Bog © Byron Jorjorian

Why You Should Visit
Orchard Bog and Quarry bog are globally rare remnants of a once vast system of peat wetlands. After the retreat of the last glacial ice sheets, Shady Valley retained rare wetland habitats known more commonly in northern environments.

Location
Shady Valley, Tennessee, tucked away in Johnson County.

Hours
Open year-round, dawn to dusk. 
 
Conditions
There is a trail cleared for walking. Some spots may be wet or muddy. Visitors must stay on the mowed trail for their own safety and to protect the sensitive wetlands.

How to Prepare for Your Visit
Check the local weather forecast and dress accordingly. A hat and drinking water are recommended. During warm weather light-colored and light-weight clothing is suggested. Binoculars and field guides are also worth bringing, as the wetlands attract many unusual bird species.

Directions
From Nashville or Knoxville, TN

• Travel east on Interstate 40 to Interstate 81 east to Bristol, Tennessee.

From Bristol, TN

• Follow Highway 421 South through town and 18 miles south to Shady Valley. The Conservancy office is located at 10537 Highway 421 South. Stop here first for trail maps.

What to See: Plants
Orchard Bog Preserve also contains several state-rare plants such as the Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), Tawny Cottongrass (Eriophorum virginicum), and Nuttall Pondweed (Potamogeton epihydrus).

What to See: Animals
Shady Valley is beautiful in any season, but birdwatchers will be thrilled by the spring and fall migration shows (early April to mid-May, early September to mid-October). The uncommon Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum) has been documented on the site, as well as unusual shorebirds during migration.

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
Over the past century, most of the expansive peatland system was drained and converted for agricultural purposes and grazing pastures, leaving only a handful of bogs in the vicinity. In addition to the loss of wetland habitat, the natural water flows of the valley were altered by agricultural practices and the damming and channelization of Beaverdam Creek. The Conservancy works to restore habitat for the valley's rare plants and animals while promoting conservation-friendly agricultural practices on its property.