1998
Claytor Nature Center

In 1998, Lynchburg College expanded into Bedford County with the creation of the Claytor Nature Study Center, a 470-acre outdoor classroom for environmental study. The 18th-century farm and plantation house were donated to the College by the late A. Boyd Claytor III to create an education and research center for environmental study and to preserve the land for future generations. Freshwater streams, woodlands, wetlands, grasslands, rare plants, and wildlife abound at the center, which includes Cloverlea, the original farmhouse; the A. Boyd Claytor III Education and Research Facility with laboratories and conference facilities; the Belk Astronomical Observatory; the Chandler Eco-Lodge, a 16-bed facility built with environmentally friendly materials and energy-saving technologies; a hiking trail system; a small group campground; and an amphitheater.