Claytor Nature Center

The Claytor Nature Center is currently closed for renovations and is scheduled to reopen to the public in about 12 months. The University of Lynchburg is committed to maintaining the property and is seeking input form the community on how to ensure its long-term viability. Anyone is welcome to provide any feedback and ideas using this form.

Driven by vision and generosity, the late A. Boyd Claytor III donated the 18th-century Cloverlea Farm and farmhouse to the University of Lynchburg in 1998 (then Lynchburg College) to serve as an education and research center for environmental study and to preserve the land for future generations. The entire 491-acre Claytor Nature Center has been placed under a conservation easement with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF). This easement permanently protects the land from development and requires using best management practices with forests and other natural resources on the property.

Located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Claytor contains freshwater streams, woodlands, wetlands, grasslands, rare plants, wildlife, and a portion of the Big Otter River.

Claytor also boasts a hiking trail system, a small-group campground, and an amphitheater. The Virginia Claytor Memorial Gardens, created in memory of the late Mrs. Claytor, adorn the property with formal flower, herb, and shrub plantings.

In 2016, Lynchburg College alumnus Bob Kibler donated 21 acres to expand the Claytor Nature Center to its current 491 acres.

An open field with hay bales, and a pond, forest, and mountains in the background

Mission

The mission of the University of Lynchburg Claytor Nature Center is to engage our community in the enjoyment, appreciation, and study of our diverse natural habitats in the Virginia Piedmont and Blue Ridge regions, toward advancing the well-being of all people and the environment.

A group of young students and their teachers

Beliefs

  • Human well-being depends on environmental well-being.
  • The outdoors and nature are for everyone. Period.
  • We are all responsible for upholding the three pillars of sustainability: social, economic, and environmental.

Two students collecting plant samples in an open field

Values

  • Passion for the environment and sustainability
  • A holistic approach to learning and well-being
  • Community building
  • Belonging

Supporters

Thanks to the following for their support!

Bedford Community Health Foundation Logo
Friends of the Blue Ridge Logo

We welcome all individuals and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation), marital status, veteran status, disability, age (40 and over), sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion.