A new 48-acre easement protects the forested northern slope and summit of Mole Hill.
A new conservation easement held by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation protects a highly visible portion of one of Rockingham County’s most distinctive landforms, “Mole Hill.” Dominating the landscape of Dayton and the Dry River area, and also highly visible from much of Harrisonburg, Mole Hill is relatively unique in its geology and has served as a cultural touchstone in this farming community.
Mole Hill viewed from Oldtown in Harrisonburg
Mole Hill is an isolated hill just off Route 33 about four miles west of Harrisonburg. Well known to generations of JMU geology students, the core of the hill is a remnant volcanic plug made of harder, igneous basalt—evidence of younger, molten rock that rose up through the much older limestone bedrock of the valley floor.
Lowell Ulrich, who owned a farm that included the summit and north slope of Mole Hill, contacted VCC over three years ago for help in conserving his part of the hill. Ulrich shared his excitement about permanently conserving this land for use by people seeking a spiritual sanctuary and for the future benefit of the thousands who enjoy its subtly changing views every day. As Lowell proceeded through meetings with VCC and Virginia Outdoors Foundation, everyone involved caught his infectious reverence for the place.
Mole Hill helps define the line between development and farmland near Harrisonburg.
Sadly, before Lowell could see the property conserved, he died in a tractor accident. Knowing his wishes, VCC worked over several years to keep his dream alive while his estate was settled. Eventually, a very conscientious and equally conservation-minded neighbor stepped forward who wanted to purchase the property and conserve it for his own family and for the public benefits it provides.
That neighbor is Gerald Knicely, who grew up in the shadow of Mole Hill on another nearby farm. Gerald is pleased that Lowell’s legacy can also be passed on to his own children and those of future generations. “My family has identified with Mole Hill for three generations. It is such a local landmark and is so much a part of the community, that we’re very glad to be working with VCC and VOF to conserve it.”
Knicely’s easement covers 48 acres of forested land that is highly visible from Harrisonburg and Route 33. Now that the summit is permanently protected, VCC is committed to seeking further conservation of properties on and around Mole Hill.
Great work!