Three abandoned pyrite mines in central Virginia that have been inactive since 1923 contained about 12 denuded hectares (ha) and caused severe acid mine drainage (AMD) in a small stream known as Contrary Creek. The AMD which included heavy metals made the stream virtually void of aquatic life. Two of the mine sites comprising about 8 ha were reclaimed. Reclamation began in 1976 and included the use of sewage sludge as a soil conditioner. Severe droughts in 1976-77 and 1980-81 and the highly toxic nature of the mine waste required a continuing maintenance program to establish vegetation. By the summer of 1983 approximately 90 percent of the reclaimed areas supported a fairly well established grass cover.