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Eidolon Nature Preserve |
NOTE: Eidolon Nature Preserve Fall 2008 Hunting and Hiking Schedule
Overview
The Eidolon Nature Preserve is located along the summit and east side of Sideling Hill, west of Berkeley Springs in Morgan County. It was purchased in 1945 by Louis and Marguerite Zapoleon who lived in Washington, D.C. and Florida and used and cherished the property as a weekend and summer retreat. They named it Eidolon after phantom women of Greek mythology who were created by Zeus from mist and light. Translated from the Greek, the word means "image of the ideal."
The Zapoleons were keen observers of the natural world. They documented what they encountered at Eidolon, keeping a long and detailed record of the plants, animals and natural communities they found. That record is currently housed at the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources nature center at Cacapon State Park. In addition, Marguerite Wykoff Zapoleon wrote a book about their times at Eidolon - "Everyone Needs a Mountain, or, Skylife at Eidolon" which came out in 1985.
Mr. Zapoleon died in 1969. Shortly after his death, Mrs. Zapoleon began working with The Nature Conservancy to ensure that Eidolon would be preserved in a way that would help others gain appreciation for and understanding of the natural world. Mrs. Zapoleon passed away in 2003 and deeded the land to TNC in her will. TNC took possession of the property in early 2006, and at that time began discussions with PVAS about co-managing the property. The agreement setting forth the terms for co-management was signed by both organizations on October 16, 2006.
Characteristics of the property
The Eidolon Preserve is 354 acres in size. The elevation at its highest point is about 1,600 feet, affording sweeping views to the east. Like much of the land in the area, parts of Eidolon were both farmed and logged in the past. Today, it is once again mostly forest with oaks and maples predominating.
The preserve provides habitat that supports a wide variety of plant and animal species, No rare or endangered species have been identified so far but species of concern like the Cerulean Warbler can be found there.
Over the years, the Zapoleons, the Conservancy, and other partners developed a series of trails throughout the property. These trails make the preserve an ideal place to visit.
How will the Eidolon Preserve operate?
Speaking generally, the overall mission of the preserve will be twofold: to protect the land forever from future development and to fulfill Mrs. Zapoleon's wish that it be used for quiet contemplation, study, and education.
During 2007, TNC and PVAS will jointly develop a management plan that will specify the kinds of land-management practices that will be undertaken at Eidolon and the opportunities that will be provided for contemplation, study, and education. Among other things, the development of this plan will require an in-depth assessment of the property's resources. Over time, it is expected that PVAS will use Eidolon as an outdoor classroom to educate children about nature, as it does at Yankauer.
In the meantime, members of the public are welcome to visit Eidolon. Visitors are urged to use appropriate discretion and caution during hunting seasons (especially the late November-early December deer season), as hunters may be encountered on the property.
Visiting Eidolon
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The directions to the preserve from Berkeley Springs are as follows:
From the intersection of Routes 522 and 9, take Route 9 west over Cacapon Mountain and through the village of Great Cacapon until you reach Detour Road (a total of 7.6 miles). Go right on Detour Road for 9/10s of a mile to Orleans Road. Go right on Orleans Road and follow it up Sideling Hill for 2.1 miles; the entrance to Eidolon will be on your right—a light-green metal gate flanked by two low, square stone pillars. Those who visit are asked to park outside the gated entrance and proceed into the preserve on foot. Coordinates: N39 36.637 W78 21.142 (gated entrance) |
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| Map of Trails at Eidolon | Topozone Map - Red mark shows entrance to property |
