Piney Grove Preserve provides habitat for the northernmost population of the red-cockaded woodpecker, which was listed as endangered in 1970. The small black-and-white bird gets its name from a barely visible speck of red on each side of the male's cap.

The only woodpecker to nest exclusively in live pine trees, it requires mature trees with heartwood soft enough to allow the birds to excavate nesting cavities. The loss of such old-growth habitat is the primary factor in the precipitous decline of the red-cockaded woodpecker, which once numbered in the hundreds of thousands throughout the Southeast and up into New Jersey.

Plants

Old-growth pine savanna, and two rare plant species: seymeria and Carolina peatmoss.

Animals

In addition to the red-cockaded woodpecker, Piney Grove Preserve also is home to the fox squirrel, which is rare in Virginia.

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site

Piney Grove harbors Virginia's last breeding population of red-cockaded woodpeckers. The Conservancy acquired the first tract for the preserve in 1998 from the Hancock Timber Resource Group, which had managed these timberlands since 1993.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing

Protecting and restoring Piney Grove's special resources requires active management. For example, to maintain and expand the pine savanna habitat upon which the red-cockaded woodpecker and myriad other species depend, the Conservancy conducts prescribed burns at Piney Grove. The Conservancy’s science staff works closely with highly trained volunteers and state and federal agencies to implement safe, effective fire management.

The Conservancy also partners with these agencies and with the Center for Conservation Biology to monitor and enhance the red-cockaded woodpecker population. Beginning in 2001, woodpeckers captured from stable populations in the Carolinas were released at Piney Grove to boost the number of breeding colonies on the preserve.

At Piney Grove Preserve and all along the Southern Rivers, the Conservancy works to conserve southeastern Virginia’s historic longleaf and loblolly pine forests and the variety of life they support.

Directions to the Constance Darden Nature Trail

From the west (Richmond area):
Take I-95 South to Petersburg, then take the exit for Rte 460 East. Follow Rte. 460 through Waverly. Go about three miles past Waverly, and turn right on Chinquapin Road (Rte. 604).  Go about 1.5 miles to the intersection with Harrell Mill Road (Rte. 621). Turn left on Harrell Mill Road and go a short distance to the Darden Trail parking area on your right.

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Mark Godfrey/TNC (Pine savannas of Piney Grove Preserve); Photo © Daniel White/TNC (Constance Darden Nature Trail); Photo © David Dadurka/TNC (Piney Grove red-cockaded woodpecker chick banding).