JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary

Vision

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s vision for JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary is to forever preserve and enhance its globally rare wetlands by protecting the sensitive vernal pools, unique geological setting, and the rich amphibian and wildlife populations. Additionally, to serve as a model and catalyst to conserve adjacent lands, and to create an ecologically significant sanctuary for the conservation and study of native wildlife.

History

Directly to the west of Lucketts, Virginia sits an 87-acre parcel of land with forests and meadows. It’s a fairly nondescript plot of land at first glance, but it has a rich history, and an abundance of unique wildlife. Once farmed for agricultural purposes, this plot of land has more recently been sought by developers. Previous development plans have included putting up to 70 homes and a water treatment facility on the parcel. However, local residents have successfully fought to preserve the landscape over the years.

So, when the parcel came up for sale in 2017, Lucketts resident and Lucketts Ruritans member Ludlow Clark brought it to the attention of Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. With the persistence of the Lucketts Ruritans, and connections made by the Piedmont Environmental Council, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy was able to convince local entrepreneur Chuck Kuhn to purchase the property with the intention to resell it to Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy at a conserved value once it had been placed into conservation easement.

Over the last two years, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy has enlisted the help of biologists, other nonprofits, and volunteers to study the property. Biologists from the Virginia Department of Conservation’s Natural Heritage program determined the property was a globally rare wetland due to the vernal pools, mature forest, unique geologic setting, rare amphibian wildlife, and other elements it harbors. The “nondescript” parcel now has lots of adjectives to describe its unique features, and a new name – JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary.

Where are we now?

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is partnering with The Nature Conservancy to enhance the ecological value of the property. Still in its developmental phase, the plan is to create additional wetlands on the property, thus enhancing its value for wildlife. Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is excited to forge this new partnership with The Nature Conservancy.

A team of Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy volunteers have been studying the flora and fauna on the property, and a management plan is currently underway. In the meantime, projects are already in the works. These include a tree planting project in conjunction with the Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District to connect an exposed vernal pool to the mature forest nearby. This will greatly enhance habitat for the amphibian wildlife that reside here.

How can you help?

The conservation easement has been filed to forever protect JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary from development. And, we are ready to purchase the property from Chuck Kuhn. But, we need your help! We need more funds to reach our goal to acquire and steward this 87-acre globally rare wetland. We’ve almost reached our goal, but your donation will help ensure our vision becomes a reality. You can make a difference and help protect this beautiful and important property!