The Cool Spring Preserve Series
A Multi Species Collection of Turnings Celebrating Collaboration in the Preservation, Restoration, and Enjoyment of the Natural World Through Education and Action*
*(adapted from PVAS Mission Statement)
Representative Gallery
About The Cool Spring Preserve
The following description is taken verbatim from the website for Cool Spring Reserve - Cool Spring Preserve – Potomac Valley Audubon Society (potomacaudubon.org):
"Cool Spring Nature Preserve consists of 63 acres of forest, meadow and marsh in southern Jefferson County, West Virginia. Bullskin Run, a major stream with significant historical value, borders one side of the preserve. Cool Spring is designated as a “birding hotspot.” In Spring 2020, the entire preserve was placed under a conservation easement with the West Virginia Land Trust. In 1752, 22-year-old George Washington made his first land purchase of 1,459 acres along Bullskin Run, including the area that is the present day Cool Spring Preserve. Washington leased his land in 200-acre parcels. Each lease tenant was to build a 20’ dwelling with a good 40’ barn, plant and care for specific crops, install certain “creatures,” erect and maintain fences, plant an orchard and vineyard, and preserve the woodlots without overcutting. In 1830, 146 acres, including most of Cool Spring Preserve, was sold to Thomas Griggs, Jr. The rest of Cool Spring Preserve was located on a neighboring property to the east, which was owned by the Haines’, a quaker family. On February 5, 1869, siblings Edward, Alvinia and Mary sold one acre of land to a freed slave, Susan B. Thornton, for $1. Mrs. Thornton’s cottage still stands on Cool Spring Preserve. Between this time and 1998, the property was used as a dairy farm and named Cool Spring Farm. Later it was sold to Jefferson Orchards who used the land to grow peaches and nectarines. During this time, existing buildings fell into disrepair and the fruit crops eventually failed. In 1998, Cool Spring Farm was purchased and underwent a three-year renovation to bring life back to the buildings and property. In 2008, the adjoining 12 acres including Mrs. Thornton’s cottage were purchased and CraftWorks at Cool Spring, a non-profit designed to connect art with nature was established. Cool Spring Preserve is named after Cool Spring Farm. It was donated to the Potomac Valley Audubon Society by CraftWorks in 2016."
"Cool Spring Nature Preserve consists of 63 acres of forest, meadow and marsh in southern Jefferson County, West Virginia. Bullskin Run, a major stream with significant historical value, borders one side of the preserve. Cool Spring is designated as a “birding hotspot.” In Spring 2020, the entire preserve was placed under a conservation easement with the West Virginia Land Trust. In 1752, 22-year-old George Washington made his first land purchase of 1,459 acres along Bullskin Run, including the area that is the present day Cool Spring Preserve. Washington leased his land in 200-acre parcels. Each lease tenant was to build a 20’ dwelling with a good 40’ barn, plant and care for specific crops, install certain “creatures,” erect and maintain fences, plant an orchard and vineyard, and preserve the woodlots without overcutting. In 1830, 146 acres, including most of Cool Spring Preserve, was sold to Thomas Griggs, Jr. The rest of Cool Spring Preserve was located on a neighboring property to the east, which was owned by the Haines’, a quaker family. On February 5, 1869, siblings Edward, Alvinia and Mary sold one acre of land to a freed slave, Susan B. Thornton, for $1. Mrs. Thornton’s cottage still stands on Cool Spring Preserve. Between this time and 1998, the property was used as a dairy farm and named Cool Spring Farm. Later it was sold to Jefferson Orchards who used the land to grow peaches and nectarines. During this time, existing buildings fell into disrepair and the fruit crops eventually failed. In 1998, Cool Spring Farm was purchased and underwent a three-year renovation to bring life back to the buildings and property. In 2008, the adjoining 12 acres including Mrs. Thornton’s cottage were purchased and CraftWorks at Cool Spring, a non-profit designed to connect art with nature was established. Cool Spring Preserve is named after Cool Spring Farm. It was donated to the Potomac Valley Audubon Society by CraftWorks in 2016."
The Potomac Valley Audubon Society
PVAS offers a wide range of programs and activities that are aimed at promoting greater understanding and appreciation of the natural world for youth, adults, and families such as field trips to natural areas, summer camps, monthly lectures, school programs and many others. Besides additional information on the Nature Preserves the PVAS co-manages with The Nature Conservancy, you can find information on Membership, Events, Programs, Conservation, Subscription, and the various ways one can SUPPORT PVAS at its website, here.