Description
This 550-acre Appalachian oak-hickory and hemlock-northern hardwood forest is teeming with plant and animal diversity. A diverse mosaic of habitats—including a hanging valley containing headwaters of Grimes Creek—play a vital role in providing plants and animals with high-quality habitat and space to migrate.
Hickory Ridge (formerly known as West Hill Preserve) is alive with migrating birds in the spring. Over 150 bird species have been identified at the preserve. The list includes 10 species of hawks and falcons, 12 species of sparrows and 20 species of warblers. Listen for the signature drumming of ruffed grouse and the "who cooks for you" call of the barred owl.
More than 125 years ago, field cultivation was incrementally phased out of this property, allowing agricultural fields & younger forest to succeed into more mature forest types.
