Sept. 14, 2007, 12:00 a.m. - Two rare and endangered species-- a Bog turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) and a Mitchell's satyr butterfly (Neonympha mitchellii), now have a safe haven in the 244-acre Chestnut Creek Wetland preserve in Floyd County acquired by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Acquisition of the Chestnut Creek Wetland Natural Area Preserve marks the commonwealth’s 50th natural area preserve, increasing the preserve system to 42,295 acres protecting 317 different rare species and natural communities. Natural area preserves are lands known to contain rare and endangered species or significant natural communities.

 “In many ways, the natural area preserve system represents the highest and most valuable form of land conservation in the Commonwealth,” Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said yesterday in announcing the acquisition.

Both the Bog turtle and the satyr butterfly found are listed as “globally rare,” meaning they are found in fewer than 100 sites worldwide.

“These areas preserve habitat for rare and endangered species, and this acquisition is a direct result of the overwhelming voter approval of the 2002 general obligation bond package," Kaine said.

Chestnut Creek Wetland Natural Area Preserve was purchased using funds from the 2002 State Parks and Natural Areas General Obligation Bonds and a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grant received with cooperation from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

The 2002 bond provided $13.2 million for preserve acquisition, a total of four acquisitions to date leveraging $2.3 million. DCR is actively pursuing additional acquisitions using 2002 bond funds.

“DCR’s natural heritage staff have identified more than 1,800 sites