Newest State Natural Areas
Since the New Parks for a New Century initiative was launched in early 2003, a number of significant sites have been added to the state parks system as State Natural Areas. In this way, the state parks system is working to fulfill its mission to protect representative samples of North Carolina's archaeological, geological, biological, scenic and recreational resources.
These newest additions to our list of protected natural treasures include:
Beech Creek Bog State Natural Area
This 120-acre natural area in northwest Watauga County is considered nationally significant and represents the first example of a southern Appalachian bog in the parks system. The Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust helped arrange its purchase.
Unlike northern bogs of glacial origin, southern Appalachian bogs form in poorly drained depressions or on gentle slopes. Beech Creek Bog is noteworthy because both the bog itself and the surrounding watershed show very little disturbance and contain natural communities of excellent quality. The bog supports a large population of the rare bog clubmiss (Lycopodiella inundata), as well as other unusual species.
Elk Knob State Natural Area
This 1,237-acre natural area off NC 194 northeast of Boone rises to the second highest peak in Watauga County at 5,520 feet. It was acquired with the help of The Nature Conservancy. Elk Knob was considered one of the most desirable areas for preservation from among more than 70 sites examined by a division task force in 2001-02. The mountain contains the headwaters of the North Fork of the New River, and is part of a chain of amphibolite rock mountains in Watauga and Ashe counties.
The system of peaks offers nutrient-rich conditions that often support rare plant species and natural communities. At least five of those natural communities are represented on Elk Knob, and the area is frequented by black bear, bobcat, breeding ravens and a variety of neotropical songbirds.
Lower Haw River State Natural Area
This corridor of the lower Haw River was purchased from Duke University, with the Triangle Land Conservancy acting as mediator. Approximately 1,000 acres in size, it ranges along both sides of the river in Chatham County just north of the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area.
This area has long been popular with hikers and canoeists, and is remarkable for its steep slopes and rock outcrops. Preservation of the natural area will aid in protecting the water quality of the Haw, a major tributary of the Cape Fear River. The Haw is home to at least two endangered species: the Cape Fear shiner and Septima's clubtail dragonfly.
