Alexander Berger Memorial Sanctuary

Great Blue Heron © John Kiefer/TNC Photo Contest

American Beaver © Ross Geredien

Why You Should Visit
Located on two terraces overlooking the beautiful Rappahannock River, the Alexander Berger Memorial Sanctuary consists of a mature, second-growth forest that hosts a diverse and distinct array of plant life. The uplands portion has remained relatively undisturbed since 1864, when it was used as an encampment and rear-line artillery position for the Confederate army. Vestiges of Civil War fortifications remain on a knoll that provided a view for those passing on the way to Fredericksburg.

Location
Spotsylvania and Caroline Counties, about 10 miles south of Fredericksburg

Hours
Open year-round, dawn to dusk.

Size
865 acres

Conditions
The trails at this preserve are easy to hike.

How to Prepare for Your Visit
For additional information, contact the Conservancy's Virginia State Office:
490 Westfield Road
Charlottesville, VA 22901
(434) 295-6106

Please see "Preserve Visitation Guidelines"

Directions
From Interstate 95:

• South of Fredericksburg, take exit #126 (Massaponax/Route 17 South Bypass).
• From the exit ramp, take US 17 south.
• After approximately one mile, turn left at the light, staying on 17 south.
• Travel about 5.5 miles to a traffic light at the junction with Va. Rte. 2.

• To go to the Rappahannock River section: Continue on Rte. 17 for approx. 0.5 mile, then turn left on Belvedere Drive. Belvedere Drive is a gravel road, and it is the first left turn after the entrance to the Belvedere Plantation Market. Proceed down Belvedere Drive past the white house on the right. Turn right onto the gravel road 100 yards after the white house and proceed a short distance. Park at the preserve sign and follow the trail signs for an enjoyable walk.

What to See: Animals
A swamp provides habitat for beavers, muskrats and raccoons. A large, active beaver pond is present on the Rappahannock River portion. Mallards and black ducks pause on the river while great blue herons, yellow-bellied sapsuckers, pileated woodpeckers, flycatchers, indigo buntings and cuckoos frequent or reside on the preserve.

What to See: Plants
The upland portion of the preserve contains a striking diversity of vegetation. The largest trees average about two feet in diameter and 80 feet in height.

The primary species on the flood plain are box elder, sycamore, pin oak, black walnut, black willow, river birch, ash, hackberry, cottonwood, American elm, persimmon, sweet gum, holly, red cedar and alder. The banks of Snow Creek are steep, up to 40 feet. Forest cover is hardwood, with predominant trees being mature tulip poplar and sycamore.

A rhododendron forest (or great laurel), unusual so far south on the coastal plain, grows along the bank of Snow Creek. It is believed to have survived from glacial ages.

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
The two wooded parcels were given to The Nature Conservancy in 1963 by Mrs. Helen Bryan and family in memory of her father, Alexander Berger. The sanctuary was originally a part of the historic Belvedere Peony Farm where Mr. Berger made his home until his death in 1940. The manor house at Belvedere was originally built by Colonel William Dangerfield before the Revolutionary War.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
The Conservancy recently completed a new trail on the Rappahannock River portion of the preserve. The trail is dedicated to the memory of R. Eugene Mohlie by his family so "that others may share in the joy and peace found in natural places."

Berger Sanctuary is part of the Conservancy's Chesapeake Rivers Program, which protects Chesapeake Bay tributaries. The Rappahannock is one of four main Bay tributaries in the program area.