Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Fish and Wildlife Service, Virginia.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 to protect and provide habitat for migratory and wintering waterfowl, or ducks, geese and swans.. The refuge encompasses a variety of habitats including beach, dunes, shrub-scrub, freshwater wetlands and woodlands. The primary unit of the wildlife refuge sits a thin strip of barrier island coastline typical of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Other areas of the refuge include islands in Back Bay and upland areas on the west bank of the bay.
Thousands of tundra swans, snow and Canada geese and a large variety of ducks visit the refuge during the fall/winter migration. Refuge waterfowl populations usually peak during December and January. The refuge also provides habitat for other wildlife, including such threatened and endangered species as the loggerhead sea turtle, and recently recovered species like the brown pelican and bald eagle.
In addition to providing habitat for migratory birds and wildlife, Back Bay Refuge provides over eight miles of scenic trails, a Visitor Center, interpretive programming and, with advance scheduling, environmental education opportunities. Popular outdoor recreation activities at the refuge include hiking, biking, freshwater fishing, surf fishing, kayaking/canoeing, wildlife photography and wildlife observation.
Nearby Activities
- Beachcombing
- Biking
- Birding
- Educational Programs
- Environmental Education
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Interpretive Programs
- Non-Motorized Boating
- Paddling
- Photography
- Visitor Center
- Wildlife Viewing
Directions
From I-64 exit to I-264 East (Oceanfront)
Take Birdneck Rd. Exit 22
Turn RIGHT onto Birdneck Rd.
Travel approximately 3-4 miles to General Booth Blvd. (just past Seatack Elementary School)
Turn RIGHT onto General Booth Blvd.
Travel approximately 5 miles (After crossing London Bridge Rd., pay close attention to road signs.)
Turn LEFT onto Princess Anne Rd. (second light after London Bridge Rd; a 7-11 is at the corner)
Proceed straight (Note: Princess Anne Rd. becomes Sandbridge Rd.)
Follow Sandbridge Rd. until you reach the Community of Sandbridge
Turn RIGHT onto Sandpiper Rd. (at the Fire Station)
Follow Sandpiper Rd. approximately 4 miles (You will pass Little Island City Park on your left)
The entrance to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is at the end of Sandpiper Road. (4005 Sandpiper Road)
