Description
The Hungry Beech Preserve ranges from level to rolling meadowland on Paxton Ridge and along Green Creek, to a steep-sided cove, about 300 feet deep, lying between two ridges protruding off of Paxton Ridge. The primary feature of the preserve is the nearly 30 acres of outstanding cove hardwood and oak-hickory forests. While likely not virgin forest, they have high natural value, with no signs of recent disturbances. Many of the large American Beech and White Oaks in the cove are over 13 feet in circumference. A few trees exceed 56 inches in diameter. An 80-acre buffer zone of second growth forest and ridgetop meadows secures this primeval forest. There are over 80 species of spring flowering plants and many neotropical migrant birds.
What TNC Is Doing
Volunteers have played a special role on this preserve. Several volunteers from the Charleston area have helped map trails and design maps for the property. Students from West Virginia University have also volunteered, and worked to improve the trails. The Conservancy continues to seek a corps of regular volunteers to carry out projects on the preserve.
