Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 25, 2023
Contact: Emi Endo, Senior Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-786-8442, emi.endo@dcr.virginia.gov
Unlock the karst mysteries underneath the Alleghany Highlands
Two-day workshop to educate planners about the region’s caves and karst landscape
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Owl Cave in Highland County, Virginia)
Richmond, VA – The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation will offer a two-day workshop Sept. 7-8 in Clifton Forge for planners, officials and residents to learn about the caves and karst landscape of the Alleghany Highlands.
The soluble limestone found in valleys and along mountain slopes in the highlands creates a karst landscape with numerous sinkholes, sinking streams, springs and some of the largest caves in Virginia. Several of the rarest species on Earth make their homes here. These valuable resources are sensitive to contamination and pose challenges in land development.
The agency’s cave and karst team, in partnership with the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, will teach participants about what’s beneath the ground here between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains and how it supplies water for people and wildlife.
The workshop, also hosted by The Nature Conservancy in Virginia and the Cave Conservancy of the Virginias, is free of charge to participants. The classroom portion of the workshop will be held Sept. 7 at the Sharon Community Center, 5016 Nicelytown Rd., Clifton Forge, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. An optional field trip will be offered Sept. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch will be provided both days and transportation will be provided for the field trip.
In addition to planners, the program is recommended for resource managers, administrators, elected officials as well as the public working and living in the Alleghany Highlands.
Space is limited. To register, visit bit.ly/karstworkshop.
A previous workshop focused on the New River Valley karst region was held in May 2022. Future workshops for other regions will be offered.
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