Falls Ridge Preserve

In 1968, Mr. William P. Bradley, a photographer and publicist, bought the Falls Ridge Preserve area from a local family. Mr. Bradley used the property as a retirement home, eventually deeding Falls Ridge to TNC in 1974.

Prior to colonization, a large Native American settlement was located upstream of Falls Ridge Preserve on the North Fork of the Roanoke River. In 1823, the Governor of Virginia granted to the Birchfield family 700 acres of land, encompassing part of the present day preserve.

A local family, the Dudleys, later acquired the land and used it not only for farming but also to operate several enterprises: a wool carding mill, general store, post office, lumber milk gram mill and a livery. In 1939, a kiln to produce burnt lime was installed at the falls by Harry Dudley. Calcium carbonate cliffs (travertine) deposited by the stream were blasted loose, crushed and carted by mule to the top of the kiln. Traces of this operation can be seen near the falls.

Virginia's Preserve Volunteer Program provides a vital service to help us maintain and monitor our public preserves across the state.

How can you get involved?

• Community Members—become involved with a preserve without committing time to stewardship work. Receive periodic updates about the preserve and special events.
• Preserve Stewards—visit Falls Ridge at least 4 times a year to assess trail and preserve conditions and perform basic trail maintenance by removing fallen branches and overgrown vegetation.
• Preserve Leaders—demonstrated commitment to the preserve and willingness to take on additional responsibilities like managing communication & scheduling, leading workdays and guiding naturalist hikes.

Email vapreservestewards@tnc.org to learn how you can help and become a part of the program.

Download the Falls Ridge Preserve Volunteer Program handbook to learn more.