Varina LandLab Conservation Area in Henrico designated as Chesapeake Gateways Site

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Capital Region Land Conservancy's (CRLC) Varina LandLab Conservation Area in Henrico County has been designated as a Chesapeake Gateways Site within the Chesapeake Gateways Network.

According to CRLC, the Varina LandLab Conservation Area was designated by the National Park Service as a Chesapeake Gateways Site, recognizing its role in educating the public on the Chesapeake Bay watershed and connecting visitors to the natural resource.

The Varina LandLab, owned by CRLC, is a 353-acre area in eastern Henrico County that provides public access to the outdoors and environmental education opportunities, serving as an outdoor classroom for K-12 students.

The property is located off of Route 5 and the Virginia Capitol Trail, near Deep Bottom Park, and features woodlands, grass and wildflower meadows as well as river and creek bluffs.

Varina LandLab Conservation Area in Henrico County (Photo: Capital Region Land Conservancy)

Varina LandLab Conservation Area in Henrico County (Photo: Capital Region Land Conservancy)

In addition to the LandLab's varying landscapes, the land is rich with Indigenous, colonial and Civil War history. CRLC said that Indigenous people lived in the high ground along Four Mile Creek since 2,000 BCE, and a pontoon bridge allowed thousands of Union troops to advance into multiple Civil War battles.

The Varina LandLab is located along Deep Bottom Road and is open daily from dawn to dusk for hiking, birding and environmental education.

Folks can enter at any of the three parking area trailheads and will find interpretive signage as well as a site-specific environmental art installation.

For more information on the LandLab, visit CRLC’s website.