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Virginia > Virginia National Wildlife Refuges

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Virginia National Wildlife Refuges

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge- This 7,700-acre refuge of beach woodland and marsh in southern Virginia Beach provides habitat for migratory waterfowl. December and January are the best months to see whistling swans, Peregrine falcons and bald eagles.
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge- Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge consists of over 14,000 acres, the majority of which is located on the Virginia portion of Assateague Island.
Eastern Shore Of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge- Habitat is provided at this refuge for migratory, threatened and endangered species such as the black duck, bald eagle and peregrine falcon.
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge- Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is located in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina and consists of 107,100 acres of mainly forested wetlands
James River National Wildlife Refuge- The James River NWR is the largest summer roosting area for juvenile bald eagles east of the Mississippi River. Powells Creek and James River are important spawning and nursing sites for a variety of fish.
Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge- Mason Neck NWR has forest, marshlands and shoreline. The refuge along with the neighboring parks cooperatively manage over 5000 acres of land, providing recreational opportunities while protecting the areas natural resources.
Presquile National Wildlife Refuge- Presquile National Wildlife Refuge provides prime wetland habitat for wintering Canada geese, wood ducks, black ducks and mallards. Small concentrations of wintering snow geese use the refuge farmland on an infrequent basis.
Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge- The Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge habitats include cropland, upland, wetland and marsh. The Rappahannock River Valley is known for its significant waterfowl resources.

Activity Locator:

All Virginia National Wildlife Refuges Outdoor Recreation Activities

General Information

Description - Virginia's refuges provide essential habitat for wildlife and fish populations. Most were established to protect and enhance wetlands for the conservation of migratory birds; some were established to provide habitat for the Nation's endangered species. The refuges listed here all offer public use opportunities.

Recreation - The goal of the refuges is to provide quality hunting, fishing, wildlife watching and enjoyment for the public. Several of the refuges offer excellent bird-watching opportunities.

Climate - Virginia, as a whole, experiences high humidity throughout the year. Summers promise high heat and humidity, which can make rigorous activities uncomfortable and difficult. Spring and fall are the best times to visit the area to avoid the heat. The mountains to the coast receive high rainfall during these seasons, so rain gear is recommended. Winter precipitation levels vary from year to year. The humidity makes temperatures feel colder during the winter as it makes the summer temperatures feel hotter. Weather on the coast is generally more mild than that in the piedmont.

Location - The National Wildlife Refuges in Virginia are located in the eastern half of the state, mostly along or near the coast.

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More Information

Contact Information:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1849 C Street NW , Washington, DC, 20240, contact@fws.gov

Additional Information:
Virginia - The Old Dominion is the Mother of Presidents and the home of more Civil War battles than any other state in the nation. Her geography includes the the oldest mountain range in the country, the Atlantic Ocean and the world's largest estuary.

Links:
State Guide - Destination Research Made Simple