Places That Connect: Gravely Nature Preserve, Henry County
May 14, 2019
by Anita Angelone
Virginiaoutdoorsfoundation.org
Situated a few miles south of Martinsville on the Smith River, the 75-acre Gravely Nature Preserve has many stories to tell.
One of these comes from the old tobacco barns and a family cemetery on the property, which bear witness to its 19th-century history as a tobacco plantation.
Another is told by the rich populations of plants and animals that have reclaimed the property since, which speak of nature’s resilience.
Finally, the park amenities that exist on the property now, including an outdoor education center and 2.5 miles of trails with interpretive signage, are testimony to how a local non-profit, the county government, and the community can come together for everyone’s benefit.
