Claytor Nature Center

About Us

The 491-acre Claytor Nature Center, donated by A. Boyd Claytor III in 1998, serves as the University of Lynchburg’s hub for environmental education and research. Protected under a Virginia Outdoors Foundation conservation easement, the land is preserved from development and managed sustainably.

Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it features streams, woodlands, wetlands, and the Big Otter River. The property includes hiking trails, a campground, an amphitheater, and the Virginia Claytor Memorial Gardens.

In 2016, Bob Kibler ’80 MBA expanded the center with a 21-acre gift, enhancing its role as a living laboratory for conservation.

Beliefs that Guide Us

Mission

The Claytor Nature Center engages the community in exploring and studying the Virginia Piedmont and Blue Ridge habitats to promote the well-being of people and the environment.

Vision

We believe human well-being depends on a healthy environment. Nature is for everyone, and we all share responsibility for sustaining it through social, economic, and environmental balance.

Values

We value a deep passion for the environment and sustainability, a holistic approach to learning and well-being, and a strong commitment to building community and fostering belonging.

News

Our Supporters

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.

Our Location

Topography

The center lies between 800 and 1,000 feet above sea level. The topography is varied, featuring slopes of every aspect and degree, ranging from vertical and overhanging rock faces to open floodplains and relatively flat uplands

Waterways

The property contains freshwater streams, including several smaller streams. It features four ponds (two human-made and two small natural ponds) and more than five vernal pools. The center includes one mile of the Big Otter River, a relatively healthy and clean stream with a dynamic floodplain.

Forests

The center features woodlands, encompassing 240 acres of upland and lowland forests. Forest stands range from early successional to mature forest and varieties such as oak-hickory, white pine stands, beech-maple, and black walnut.

Wetlands

Claytor includes wetlands and 70 acres of wetland and riparian habitat. This includes areas of mature swamp forest that support plants such as arrow arum and skunk cabbage. A 50-acre lowland tract that was formerly cropland has been restored to native wetland habitat, and an 18-acre section adjacent to the Big Otter River has been converted into a conserved riparian habitat.

Grasslands

The property features grasslands and open fields. Significant acreage of both upland and floodplain fields have been planted in warm-season grasses, including switchgrass, big bluestem, and Indian grass. Fields managed for hay are currently dominated by tall fescue and crownbeard.

Fauna

Claytor’s diverse habitats support abundant wildlife. Beavers, otters, and fishing birds thrive near the Big Otter River, and visitors help track species through eBird. Monarch butterflies and insect populations are actively studied, while vernal pools and gardens provide seasonal homes for salamanders and frogs.