New River State Park - Ecology

Ecology

New River State Park is covered by a thriving second growth forest. The old growth forests were harvested for lumber and other wood products. The forests grow in fertile soil that supports a variety of hardwood trees, pine trees, shrubs and wildflowers. Hardwoods such as oak and hickory grow along the banks of the New River and on the lower slopes of the mountains. Carolina Hemlock and various pines grow on the higher slopes. Shrubs found at New River State Park include dogwood, huckleberry, alders and sassafras.

New River State Park is home to fourteen threatened and endangered plants that grow in the valley along the New River. Carolina and Carey's saxifrage, rattlesnake root, spreading avens and purple sedge are protected and the picking of their flowers is prohibited.

Many animals that are commonly found in an eastern woodland environment can be found at New River State Park. White-tailed deer are a common sight. Black bear are seen less often. Mink, river otters, beavers, muskrats and raccoons inhabit the land along the banks of the New River.

Birds of many different species live at New River State Park. Osprey and Red-tailed hawks are birds of prey that can be seen soaring above the park. Wild turkey live in the forested lowlands and Ruffed Grouse live on the mountain slopes. A wide variety of songbirds live throughout the forests. Wood Ducks, Spotted Sandpipers and Belted Kingfishers live along the river banks.