Approximately 150 acres of former croplands are being managed under a federal Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP). This program promotes the conversion of crop fields that are no longer being used for agricultural production into more natural grasslands, supporting native warm-season grasses. This conversion enhances forage primarily for bird species and other wildlife.
Through the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an 18-acre section of land adjacent to the Big Otter River has been converted into a conserved riparian habitat under the agency's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).
Another 50 acres of lowland area, that had formerly been used as cropland, has been restored to its native wetland habitat under the agency's Wetland Reserve Program (WRP). As part of this process a few thousand trees have been planted to facilitate restoration.
The College is an active member of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation's "Adopt-A-Stream" program. The College has taken responsibility for periodic clean-up of the one-mile section of the Big Otter River that runs through the Claytor Nature Study Center.
Measures are being taken to control noxious exotic plant species such as kudzu, knotweed, and Rosa multiflora. Each of these invasives can be a serious impediment to growth of native vegetation.
The Education & Research Center has been outfitted with an energy efficient geothermal heating and cooling system that will considerably reduce reliance on electricity and gas, conserving our natural resources.
The Cloverlea farmhouse, cemetery, and several other historic structures located on the property will be preserved and documented as part of an on-going study of the cultural history of the area. Studies will be conducted by various faculty in conjunction with the College's Center for the History and Culture of Central Virginia.