Research

Due to its location at the northernmost end of the longleaf pine’s range, Blackwater Ecological Preserve presents a unique opportunity to study a rare ecosystem. It also gives Old Dominion University students the chance to assist with and carry out their own research projects.

The preserve is home to over 2000 tagged longleaf, Virginia-rare flora, intact tar kilns (tarkels), and more.

Some data is restricted, for access please email lmusselm@odu.edu.

Blackwater’s Longleaf

Longleaf Fingerprinting

Longleaf Seedling Survival

Vegetation Surveys

Blackwater’s Rare Flora

Dendrochronology

History and Archeology of the Preserve