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Evans Tract on Cowpasture River

Description

Elevation: 1137 ft.

Evan’s Tract provides access to Cowpasture River and its adjoining fields and woodland. The numerous hay fields in this area support a variety of open country species such as Northern Bobwhite, Indigo Bunting, and Song Sparrow. The neighboring woodland edges hold expected species such as Red-bellied and Pileated woodpeckers, Blue Jay, American Crow, Carolina Wren, Northern Cardinal, American Robin, and American Goldfinch. The banks of the river should be checked for Great Blue and Green herons as well as the occasional Wood Duck or Belted Kingfisher. Damselflies also frequent the river and both powdered dancer and American rubyspot are plentiful. The hay fields along the river attract a variety of butterflies including eastern tiger and spicebush swallowtails, eastern tailed-blue and a confusing array of duskywings and skipper.

Notes:

  • The original access point of this site near the Evans Tract boat ramp is only walkable in winter or early spring due to unmanaged fields and high grasses.
  • To access it any time of year, use the coordinates below to find the entrance to the Forest Service road running through the tract.

Wildlife Sightings

81 species have been reported at this site to date.

Birds Recently Seen at Evans Tract on Cowpasture River:

    Recent Checklists:

    Date# of SpeciesSubmitted By
    16 Jan 20262Diane Holsinger
    21 May 202522Baxter Beamer
    14 May 202513Brad Wood
    12 Mar 202517John Burleson
    2 Sep 202415Matt Anthony

    See more recent checklists…

    Amenities & Accessibility

    Amenities

    • On-site Parking

    Other Amenities: Bike Trails, Hiking Trails

    Accessibility Considerations

    This location does not have a Birdability Site Review available at this time

    Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces

    Maps & Directions

    View on Google Maps

    Physical Coordinates: 37.80055, -79.74816

    From Clifton Forge, head east on US-60 Business E/Main St toward Jefferson Ave, turn right onto SR-632/Longdale Furnace Rd, continue onto VA-269 E/Longdale Furnace Rd, turn right onto SR-633/Sharon Ln, turn right to stay on SR-633/McKinney Hollow Rd, and the entrance to the Forest Service road is on the right in approximately 0.4 miles.

     

    Managed By:

    • U.S. Forest Service

    Access Requirements:

    • Free, Daily

    Contact Information:

    • (540) 962-2214
    • Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.

    About the VBWT

    The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail is a network of over 600 greenspaces and blueways throughout the Commonwealth selected for their wildlife viewing potential. Walk a nature trail, paddle a river, or enjoy a scenic overlook and you’ll soon see why Virginia is a premier destination for birding and wildlife viewing.

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