Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, February 25, 1991 TAG: 9102250157
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A5 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Bradley, who retired in 1968 from the Virginia Tech Extension division, bought the land to try to preserve its natural beauty.
The tract, on Virginia 603 between Ellett and Ironto, contains rich woods, a gently sloping 60-foot waterfall and Addison's Leather Flower, a plant rare to Southwestern Virginia.
"He wanted to leave the land just the way it was," said Steve Croy, a friend who worked for the Nature Conservancy. "He felt it was such a unique piece of land."
Following his retirement, Bradley worked on the preserve helping to clear fallen trees and other debris from its trails. His house was in the middle of the tract.
"He wanted the public to be able to enjoy it and learn about nature," Croy said. "He just made sure the area was clean."
Bradley, a native of Englewood, N.J., attended the University of Virginia and received an agricultural degree from Virginia Tech. He worked for the U.S. Soil Conservation Service before returning to Blacksburg to work for Tech's Extension Service.
Bradley's love for flowers and gardens led to several trips to England and Scotland, Croy said.
by CNB