Where do you venture when you want to enjoy West Virginia’s lush meadows, towering forests, and a rippling stream? The same place you go to find a rare plant, animal, or bird. Incidentally, this is also where you can find someone eager to help you learn more about West Virginia’s amazing nature scene AND where you can see some of the only Shenandoah Wet Prairie Marsh in the world: Cool Springs Preserve in Charles Town.
In 1752, young George Washington purchased 1,459 acres along beautiful Bullskin Run in present day West Virginia, including a portion of marshland now known as Cool Spring Preserve near Charles Town.
But Cool Spring isn't just for adults. In fact, the preserve prides itself on being kid-friendly, offering activities throughout the year designed to allow the whole family to participate.
The preserve is limited to foot traffic only and practices leave-no-trace principles in an effort to preserve and protect the many species of rare and very rare native plants and animals found here.
The preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk. To learn more and plan your own trip to Cool Spring Preserve, visit the Potomac Valley Audubon Society’s website here. And if you work up an appetite exploring the preserve, you can always stop for a meal at Mountain View Restaurant in Charles Town.
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