New conservation area to explore

Mark Battista/Chesterfield Observer Brasfield Dam forms Lake Chesdin and serves as the western boundary of the new John J. Radcliffe Appomattox River Conservation Area.

Chesterfield County residents now have a new site to hike and explore. Named the John J. Radcliffe Appomattox River Conservation Area, the site bears the name of its former owner. Though only 80 acres, the land contains interesting habitats, geology, history and wildlife.

This purchase marks the third conservation area to be acquired and managed by the Chesterfield Parks and Recreation Department. The Dutch Gap and Brown and Williamson sites are the other two.

"I had it about 18 years," says John Radcliffe, referring to the property he sold to the county. During that time, he savored its beauty and wildlife. He has seen beavers and otters ply the river and wetland. He witnessed plenty of deer and fox, and he even has pictures of bobcats.

"A lot of wild turkey will fly back and cross the river," he continues. "We've had signs of bear." He recalls a tree with claw marks about four to five feet high. And if that wasn't enough, he completes his wildlife list by including bald eagles.

Mark Battista/Chesterfield Observer A wooded trail winds through the John J. Radcliffe Appomattox River Conservation Area.

The conservation area is located along the Appomattox River directly below Brasfield Dam and Lake Chesdin and adjoins the Appomattox River Canoe Launch. The entire property occupies a wide floodplain and includes a 50-acre wetland, a bottomland forest, vernal pools, some small streams and a scattering of islands.

The Appomattox River caresses the property for over a mile. The tranquil water, backed up by the old abutment dam, reflects a fascinating history of mills and canals (that transported batteaux) and a rich forest.

The forest supports an abundance of bitternut hickory and beech, and because it frequently floods, sycamore, box elder, green ash and river birch trees make their appearance as well in the forest canopy. The understory is mostly dominated by holly and muscle wood.

The unmistakable seed-heads of cattails signal the border of the wetlands. Nearby, the red branches of silky dogwood and red maple, along with the peeling bark of river birch, further define the wetland. Adding to the mix are alder and clethra and the vibrant yellow of swamp iris.

Wildlife species can't resist this riparian property. Great blues patrol the banks for fish. Kingfishers, perched on branches overhanging the river, announce themselves with a rattling call. Raccoon scat tops the logs near the river, and piles of discarded freshwater clams testify to satiated muskrats or raccoons. Sallying around the riverbank are squadrons of dragonflies. The eastern end of the property reveals a beaver dam, chewed trees and mud slides, probably enjoyed by beavers and otters.

The conservation area will have limited development. Stuart Connick, chief of parks for the Chesterfield Department of Parks and Recreation, says the area will have a 3/4-mile trail along with 800 feet of boardwalk and interpretive signs. About 500 feet of boardwalk has been completed.

The trail project is the result of a partnership between Chesterfield County and Alliance Engineering. Alliance prepared the engineering, boardwalk and trail plans, and donated labor valued at $12,000 to complete the project.

The conservation area is one vital piece of a master plan to create a greenway that will hopefully run the course of the Appomattox from Lake Chesdin to the Village of Ettrick.

"In the county riverfront plan, it identifies purchasing land for greenways and trails along the Appomattox and James. Our comprehensive plan and public facilities plan all identify those river riparian areas as places for trails, greenways and park development," says Connick.

With abundant wildlife, a prolific wetland and the calming waters of the Appomattox, how can one part with such valuable land? Says Radcliffe, "Anybody that kept that to themselves would have to be classified as being selfish."

So the land that was enjoyed by the Radcliffe family for 18 years has now become public land. In celebration of National Trails Day, the conservation area, located at 21300 Chesdin Road, was officially dedicated on June 6. Like Radcliffe, you too can now savor the flowing river and observe the abundant wildlife.