Orchard Bog and Quarry Bog

Visit

• What You'll See

  Cows At Orchard Bog Preserve, cows help out with conservation grazing by eating invasive reed canary grass to make room for native wetland plants. The herd is small and seasonal, which prevents excessive trampling and over-grazing.. 

  Flying Friends The uncommon alder flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum) and other songbirds and shorebirds have been documented in the area during spring and fall migrations. Check out the eBird app to see which bird species local birders are documenting on the preserves, and then add to your own sightings!

  Cranberries In Shady Valley, wild cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) grows on a layer of sphagnum moss, which acts to keep the pH of the soil low and holds water even on the driest and hottest days. 

  Rare Native Plants Tawny cottongrass (Eriophorum virginicum), hoary sedge (Carex canescens) and Nuttall's pondweed (Potamogeton epihydrus) have been found in the bog’s ecosystem. In 2016, Appalachian hedge-nettle (Stachys appalachiana) was identified at Orchard Bog—the first record of this rare plant in Tennessee.

• Peak Use

  Fall Shady Valley hosts an annual cranberry festival. (Visit local websites for more information.) In mid- to late October, you will see the fall foliage reach its peak!
  

  Winter If you’re searching for a winter wonderland, visit the preserve in January and February.

  Spring Temperatures stay cool and rainy in the spring months. If you’re looking for a cool getaway, head over to the valley.

• Preserve Guidelines
  • The preserve is open to the public, from sunrise to sunset. 
  • There are multiple, mowed paths of various lengths leading in and around the wetlands. Look for beaver lodges and dams. 
  • Visitors should stop by our TNC Shady Valley office (10537 Highway 421 N, Shady Valley, TN 37688) for an updated Orchard Bog trail map and information about a self-guided tour. 
  • Due to the presence of a delicate natural area, the following activities are prohibited: motorized vehicles (ATVs), horses, bicycles, collecting plants and animals, hunting, camping and rock climbing.
  • Check the local weather forecast and dress accordingly. Don't forget a hat and drinking water, and light-colored and light-weight clothing is suggested during warm weather. Insect repellent, binoculars and birdwatching field guide(s) are also worth bringing. This is an excellent site for birdwatching. Dogs are allowed on leash.
  • Note that, depending on the time of year, cattle might be grazing at one or both of the preserves. Cows are curious and might approach you. Do not leave open any livestock gates on the property.
• Cranberry Festival

  Shady Valley hosts an annual cranberry festival in mid- to late October when fall foliage reaches its peak! Stop by TNC's Shady Valley Office at 10537 Highway 421 N, Shady Valley, TN 37688 to get map for a self-guided walking tour of our Orchard Bog Preserve.