Greenland Gap is a picturesque water gap sculpted by the meandering North Fork of Patterson Creek through New Creek Mountain. Deriving its name from the lush environs of the neighboring Greenland community, this idyllic spot is framed by towering Oriskany Sandstone cliffs that stand over 800 feet tall.
Spanning 250 acres, the preserve features flora more commonly associated with higher terrains, showcasing the likes of the Canada yew and red elderberry. The rugged terrains house the elusive Allegheny woodrats, while the skies above see a flurry of activity from migrating hawks, especially between the warm months of mid-August and October. Notably, the area is a favored nesting ground for birds like the Blackburnian warblers and winter wrens, species usually spotted at loftier elevations.
Greenland Gap was dedicated in November 1974 by the West Virginia Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, with the land donated to the conservancy earlier in the year by the Greenland Lodge, a family group made up of heirs of the late David A. Burt, Sr. of Wheeling. The Oglebay Institute and the Brooks Bird Club assisted in formulating the management plans.
