Shenandoah Valley

Some 10,000 years ago, the Shenandoah river valley would have straddled two vegetational zones in the mid-latitudes of eastern North America: a mixed coniferous and northern hardwood to the north and mixed hardwoods to the south.

Shenandoah Valley is about 150 miles (241 km) long and 25 miles (40 km) wide, extending southwest from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia and lying between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains.

It is drained by the Shenandoah Rover. The route of the famous 19th century Valley Turnpike was used earlier by Native Americans and later became a main artery for westward expansion.

Shenandoah harbors plant species from throughout the Appalachian chain, from the hardwoods of the South to evergreens normally found in boreal climes, clinging to the highest points.

The diverse plant mosaic blends and divides depending on elevation, precipitation and exposure. But the great oak forest of Shenandoah are a starting point. Growing along the ridges and sloped of the mountains, read and chestnuts oaks stand sturdy while producing fall mast for wildlife. Mountains laurel. Dogwood, and scraggly pines often accompany the great oaks.
Shenandoah Valley