Officials unveil game-changing plans for massive nature area: 'A tremendous win'

Virginia just scored a major win for conservation and outdoor recreation. Officials have approved plans to preserve thousands of acres of rare habitat in Halifax County while also opening the door to multi-use trails and new opportunities for local families to connect with nature.

Local news outlet WFXR reported that the project centers on the Falkland State Conservation Area and Southside Savanna Natural Area Preserve — over 7,000 acres privately donated to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation in 2022.

This land now joins with nearby preserves and parks to create more than 10,000 acres of protected space. State leaders say they'll be able to not only conserve rare forests and grasslands, but also support new recreation options such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Big news for Halifax County! The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is moving forward with an ecological...

Posted by Virginia State Parks on Friday 5 September 2025

"This project preserves thousands of acres of beautiful Virginia landscape, safeguards important wildlife habitats, and opens the door for new opportunities in outdoor recreation," said Delegate Tommy Wright, per WFXR. "I'm proud to see such a significant investment in both conservation and the enjoyment of our natural resources for generations to come."

For local communities, this project offers amazing benefits. Protecting critical biodiversity will help keep local ecosystems healthy and balanced, which also helps secure our food supply. Also, careful trail planning will give families and visitors more access to natural outdoor spaces.

Officials also say they'll use managed hunts (for the deer population), smart forest management, and invasive species control to ensure the ecosystem thrives. By prioritizing both conservation and recreation, Virginia is building healthier landscapes and creating more opportunities for residents to appreciate nature.

The initiative joins larger conservation efforts across the U.S., from protecting biodiverse lands in North Carolina to programs like the Forest Legacy Program conserving critical forests across the U.S.

Projects like these not only protect ecosystems but also provide cleaner air and water for communities, protect them from erosion and flooding, and help mitigate the effects of planet-warming pollution that is contributing to rising temperatures.

According to WFXR, Senator Tammy Mulchi called the project "a tremendous win for Halifax County and Southside Virginia."

Virginia leaders now say they're focused on balancing visitor access with protecting the land's rare features.

"Our priority now is thoughtful planning to ensure that when the area opens, it offers the highest quality visitor experience while protecting the resources that make it so special," Dr. Melissa Baker, Director of Virginia State Parks, told the publication.

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