Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Basic Regulations. The snow and Canada goose, tundra swan, and many duck species are abundant. If you're looking for elevation gain, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge has you covered. During the fall and winter months, large flocks of waterfowl use the Bay and freshwater impoundments. 2023 Sandbridge Realty All rights reserved. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is displayed on the "North Bay" USGS topo map quad. It's amazing at any time of the year and each experience is different from the last! Coordinates: 3639N 7556W Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Virginia is located in the independent city of Virginia Beach. There is a fee to enter the refuge between April 1st and October 31st. As water temperatures on the Florida/Georgia . Fees are per vehicle. . Which trail has the most elevation gain in Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge? We are located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, immediately south of Sandbridge beach at the southern end of Sandpiper Road. Tuesday. There are cottonmouth snakes in the area. On May 16th at the refuge, Virginia Beach Environmental Studies Program high school student interns and intern director Chris Elam from RBA Architects presented design developments for The Outdoor Classroom project. Follow Sandbridge Road until you reach the community of Sandbridge. These tranquil habitats can be accessed by marsh trails, bikes, a boardwalk overlook, and the beach itself. Designated in 2022 View more details for this trail in the NRT Database Learn about the NRT Program. Saw a heron, but not much else. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge II. new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, Gain new experiences and meet new people while helping to advance wildlife conservation. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Bay Trail, https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Back_Bay/visit/permits.html. So. PDF Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Bikers, PLEASE read the refuge maps for the correct biking areas. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is West Dike, Barbour Hill, Sand Ridge Beach Loop, which has a 4.5 star rating from 159 reviews. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service There are just a few more things to keep in mind before visiting Back Bay NWR. The expansion provided a buffer against development, thus reducing erosion and runoff of fertilizers and chemicals that pollute Back Bay. (Portions of the refuge are closed during the winter migration; as such there is no fee during this period.). Very short trail with small hills. Throughout the trip the tram driver provides information about the history, wildlife and management of both natural areas. Closed holidays except Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day. Proceed south about a mile until you reach Sandbridge Road. Fishing can only be done in designated areas, as long as the fisherman has the appropriate license (freshwater license for fishing in the bay areas & saltwater license for fishing in the ocean). According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is. The majority of refuge marshlands are on islands contained within the waters of the Back Bay. The refuge was established in 1938 to protect and provide habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge | Natural Atlas Because of its unique geographic location along the Atlantic Coast which provides overlapping ranges for both northern and southern species, biodiversity is high. and reservations. The refuge works with neighboring False Cape State Park to provide tram tours throughout the year. The USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) publishes a set of the most commonly used topographic maps of the U.S. called US Topo that are separated into rectangular quadrants that are printed at 22.75"x29" or larger. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Outside of the winter season these wetland poolsprovide habitat for shorebirds, wading birds and a variety of reptiles, amphibians and mammals. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. False Cape State Park (back Bay Wildlife Refuge) Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. Follow Sandbridge Rd intothe Community of Sandbridge. This project is being funded by donations, sponsorships, grants and fundraising. These trails have an average 4.2-star rating from 727 AllTrails community reviews. OF THE BACK BAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SOCIETY, CONNECT WITH NATURE AND EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY, YOUR HELP IS NEEDED TO PRESERVE FOR TOMORROW, DEDICATED TO PROMOTING & SUPPORTING THE BACK BAY WILDLIFE REFUGE, CONSERVE PROTECT and ENHANCE WILDLIFE, PLANTS & HABITATS. They also schedule different guided tours . Established for migrating and wintering waterfowl,Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge focuses on providing optimal feeding and resting habitats for birds. Frequently asked trail questions about Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. It currently makes up roughly 50% of the watershed. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. As a result water quality has improved, there has been a marked increase in the amount of submerged aquatic vegetation and the numbers of ducks, geese and other waterbirds have increased. There are 6 trails in Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. You are about to use an online mapper that displays designated critical habitat spatial information. Surf Fishing Clinic | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Throughout the years that I have been coming down here, the pathway to the beach portion of the refuge was old wood that was a bit questionable in my opinion. Since 1939, 4,600 acres of Back Bay waters, surrounding the original Refuge lands, have been closed to migratory bird hunting by Presidential Proclamation. Swimming, sunbathing, and surfing are not allowed. Access to the park at this time is restricted to hiking or biking along the beach or by boat. Have you found an injured animal in need of help? Hiking, bicycle trails, self-guided trails. The majority of refuge marshes are on islands within the waters of Back Bay. From I-64, exit to I-264 East (towards the Oceanfront). Cottage on Back Bay Wild Life Refuge at Sandbridge Beach +34 photos About Rooms & beds Amenities Reviews Map Host Policies Rates & availability Know before you go Check Covid restrictions here About this rental Recreational Vehicle 400 sq. Travel 4 miles, until Sandpiper Rd ends. Interpretive programs are also conducted throughout the year for the local and visiting public. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Fish and Wildlife Service pursued a land acquisition program to double the size of Back Bay NWR in order to protect the watershed from harmful development. The refuge was first established in 1998 to protect habitat for migratory birds and endangered species. Registration opens April 15; register by calling (757) 301-7329 ext. More than 300 species of birds have been observed at the Refuge. This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. CANNON BEACH, Oregon - Cannon Beach reopened to the public around 10:00 a.m. Monday morning after wildlife and law enforcement officials confirmed a cougar sighted on Haystack Rock was no longer present. The refuge trails are closed Nov. 1 through March 31. Search for volunteer opportunities around the country, News about wonderful wild things and places, FWS is taking steps to mitigate climate impacts, Search employment opportunities with USFWS. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia Beach, Virginia - Fws Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established on June 6, 1938 as a 4,589-acre refuge to provide feeding and resting habitat for migratory birds. With more than 560 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge - ArcGIS StoryMaps Tour routes of great scenic drives on National Wildlife Refuges. Over 300 species of birds and dozens of reptiles, amphibians, mammals, insects and fishhave been documented at the wildlife refuge. The park features primitive camping and an extensive environmental education program in one of the last undisturbed coastal environments on the East Coast. Sadly, but understandably, pets are not permitted in the refuge at any time during the year. When applicable, eBird generally defers to bird records committees for records formally considered to be of "uncertain provenance". Turn right onto Birdneck Rd and travel 3-4 miles. As part of Virginia's Outer Banks, the refuge's barrier islands feature large sand dunes, maritime forests, freshwater marshes, ponds, ocean beaches, and large impoundments for wintering wildfowl. Escapee exotics do not count in official eBird totals. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located at 4005 Sandpiper Road, Virginia Beach. Station Management Plan Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Fws G ! There are many opportunities for outdoor recreation at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge! Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Visit Virginia Beach VA No previous fishing experience is needed but we offer a warning - you might get hooked on fishing! Surf & Adventure allows you to rent kayaks for daily or weekly rates so that you can adventure from your Sandbridge Realty vacation home during any down time you may have during your trip. Kayaking the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia Beach F Bay Pool !G ! Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (BBNWR) was established in 1938 and is one of more than 565 refuges administered by the U.S. I will admit that it isn't the most aesthetically pleasing thing in the world, but it is definitely there for the better (and it adds a nice pop of color - sofancy). Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge - eBird View Seasonal Observations Submitted to eBird, 2023 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Candidate Conservation Agreements (CCA & CCAA), Coastal Barrier Resources Act Project Consultation, Coastal Barrier Resources System Property Documentation. Once you get to the beach, the mat ends. 4.0Atmosphere. Numerous reptiles and amphibians rely on the habitats of Back Bay NWR, including cottonmouths (water moccasins), which are seen frequently. Entry after sunset is prohibited. description: Welcome to the US Fish & Wildlife Service's map of Threatened and Endangered Species with Critical Habitat designation across the United States. The Refuge was established in 1938 in cooperation Refuge waterfowl populations usually peak during December and January. While most people travel solo or with a few people, group educational opportunities are also available as long as it is scheduled in advance with the visitor center office. Proceed south 4 miles to the Refuge entrance. Representing . Conservation - Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Source: CNN. 3106! The refuge adjoins Virginia's False Cape State Park. Volunteers removed and pruned old vegetation, cultivated and amended soil, and filled beds with native plants supporting pollinators and wildlife Garden beds are maintained by volunteers throughout the year. Monday. Photos/Story:Jasmine Ambrosio (IG: @jasmineambrosio | @sandbridgerealty), Vacasa Sandbridge581 Sandbridge RoadVirginia Beach, Virginia 23456 Phone: 1-800-933-4800, Sign up for emails - Curated tips & inspiration for your next vacation. There are no dues required for Society membership. The entrance to Back Bay NWR is on the left. Spring migration brings songbirds and shorebirds that fill the wetlands, shrubs, and woodland areas. Proceed 3-4 miles and turn right onto General Booth Boulevard. The refuge is open during daylight hours only (1/2 hour before sunrise until 1/2 hour after sunset). Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located in the southeastern corner of the City of Virginia Beach. Migrating songbirds and shorebirds arrive at the Refuge each spring and fall. Print map. PDF QUIET HOURS - False Cape - Department of Conservation and Recreation West Dike, Barbour Hill, Sand Ridge Beach Loop boasts the most elevation gain with 14 m of total ascent. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) contains over 9,200 acres. Kayaking from Surf & Adventure at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Provisional: Either: 1) member of exotic population that is breeding in the wild, self-propagating, and has persisted for multiple years, but not yet Naturalized; 2) rarity of uncertain provenance, with natural vagrancy or captive provenance both considered plausible. WMA GIS Data Download Acadiana Conservation Corridor WMA Alexander State Forest WMA Atchafalaya Delta WMA Attakapas Island WMA Bayou Macon WMA Bayou Pierre WMA Ben Lilly Conservation Area Big Colewa Bayou WMA Big Lake WMA Biloxi WMA Buckhorn WMA Boeuf WMA Bodcau WMA Bussey Brake WMA Clear Creek WMA Dewey W. Wills WMA Elbow Slough WMA Elmer's . Beyond that, the northern edge of North Carolina's Outer Banks lies immediately to the south. 8:00 am . Would like to see a map of the trails put on the web page though . Tour routes of great scenic drives on National Wildlife Refuges. Share. Physical Address: 4005 Sandpiper Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge - U.S. National Park Service It is considered by conservationists to be an important link along the Atlantic Flyway for migratory birds such as snow geese. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) contains over 9,200 acres of marsh, beaches, dunes, woodlands and farm fields. Anyone who is interested in visiting Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge can view and print the free topographic map, terrain map, and other maps using the link above. Back Bay NWR was established in 1938 as a 4,589-acre refuge, and since 1988, it has grown to a whopping 9,250 acres! Fish and Wildlife Service. Conservation leader urges people to reconnect with nature Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Page 2 of 186 Habitat Management Plan - Chapter 1 Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Scope and Rationale Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (the Refuge/Back Bay NWR) exists within the Back Bay watershed. Today, the Refuge continues to be an important link in the chain of national wildlife refuges along the Atlantic Flyway. The Refuge contains more than 9,200 acres, situated in and around Back Bay, in the southeastern corner of the City of Virginia Beach. Phase 2 will be the design and construction of the platform, seating, and fixture elements. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located in southeastern Virginia and was established in 1938 to provide habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located in the southeastern corner of the City of Virginia Beach. The U.S. PRESERVE - Help preserve your park. Rules & Regulations | backbayblogger Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is covered by the North Bay, VA US Topo Map quadrant Make a right turn onto Sandpiper Rd, just past the Fire Station. Connecting with the community is also an important part of Back Bay NWR's operations. A Guide to the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Sandbridge Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Wikipedia The Visitor Contact Station is closed on Sundays, November through March and closed holidays, except Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day. The southern part of the refuge includes an extensive impoundment complex. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Special Blend of Stunning Views, Pure Nature and Unique Wildlife . Most of the 9,062.45-acre (36.6744km2)[1] freshwater refuge is on the Currituck Banks Peninsula, which borders the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Back Bay of the Currituck Sound on the west. For your convenience, there is a bike rack on the south side of the Visitor Contact Station. Fish & Wildlife Service: Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. West Dike, Barbour Hill, Sand Ridge Beach Loop, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Bay Trail. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through Frogs and toads are treated at Liberty Wildlife. The barrier islands feature large sand dunes, maritime forests, fresh water marshes, ponds, ocean beach, and large impoundments for wintering wildfowl. @ Back Enlarged Area Pool Pool !G [ ! Fish & Wildlife Service: Refuge brochure, National Register of Historic Places listings in Virginia, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Virginia Department of Historic Resources, National Wildlife Refuges of the United States, Association for Research and Enlightenment, North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, Currituck Banks North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Back_Bay_National_Wildlife_Refuge&oldid=1145905731, Protected areas of Virginia Beach, Virginia, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0, This page was last edited on 21 March 2023, at 17:13. Saw 4 water snakes and 1 cottonmouth, all basking in trees. The saline soils were unproductive. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Reviews | U.S. News Travel AllTrails has 6 great trails for birding and more. Fee: $5.00 April 1 -October 31, Free November 1 March 31. 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. For more information, please visit, West Dike, Barbour Hill, Sand Ridge Beach Loop, Deer Island and Shuttle Trail Loop to Otter Point Overlook, Buffington Trail and Whitehurst Trail Loop, West Neck Creek Marina to North Landing River. The majority of refuge marshlands are on islands contained within the waters of Back Bay. Park hours. You can walk up and down the beach. The Refuge focuses on providing habitat for water birds, with an emphasis on waterfowl, shorebirds, and threatened species. The visitor center is open from 8am-4pm Tuesday-Friday and 9am-4pm on the weekends. Escapee: Exotic species known or suspected to be escaped or released, including those that have bred but don't yet fulfill the criteria for Provisional. They are closed on Sundays between Labor Day and Memorial Day, as well as all holidays other than Memorial Day, July Fourth, and Labor Day. The administrative office is located on Sandbridge Road at Sigma between Lago Mar and Sandbridge Beach. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Hotels Featured Hotels Near Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge See the latest prices and deals by choosing your dates. Explore one of 4 easy hiking trails in Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge that are great for the whole family. Would make a beautiful sunset picture. Description Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) contains over 9,200 acres of marsh, beaches, dunes, woodlands and farm fields. Skip to main content . Small boats and canoes that can be hand-carried to the bay's edge are permitted - there isn't a boat launch available for larger boats anywhere in the refuge. Learn More MEMBERSHIP After a brief visit at the park's Visitor Center the tram continues deep into the state park, all the way to the site of the historic Wash Woods community. As the metropolitan area of Virginia Beach began to grow in the 1980's, the U.S. Established in 1938, this 8,000-acre fresh water refuge borders the Atlantic Ocean on the east and Back Bay on the west. Tracks were found heading away from the rock and a game camera captured an image of the cougar leaving the rock last night. This habitat is part of what was once a "shrub-scrub chain" along the East Coast. If you are entering on foot or bike the fee is per person. Secretary Zinke Expands Hunting and Fishing Opportunities at 10 Secretary Zinke Announces Boost to Wetland, Waterfowl Conservation Checklists submitted within the last hour are not shown. It is important to understand that the designated critical habitat displayed in this . . 699 Reviews Want to find the best trails in Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge for an adventurous hike or a family trip? Description From its scenic seashores to its cypress swamps, the Virginia Beach and Norfolk area offers a multitude of year-round birding and wildlife viewing adventures. The Visitor Contact Center is accessed via Sandpiper Road from the Sandbridge area of Virginia Beach, which is the southernmost area of development on the Atlantic Coast of Virginia. During the peak of winter migration a wide variety of ducks, tundra swans and snow geese visit the Back Bay. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, a Virginia National Wildlife Refuge Established in 1938 in an isolated portion of the former Princess Anne County, it is managed by the U.S. A two phase constructionprocess is planned, starting with the main roof structure. Turn left onto Princess Anne Rd. Immerse yourself in the natural sounds of the wilderness to listen to . According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is. l ! We did see a sign to stay on the trail. Very easy and well maintained trail. The weather for the entire trip was touch and go, but thankfully it wasn't storming the morning of our tour, so we braved the chill to get out and do some paddling. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 12 min to complete. Do not ride on the boardwalks and please stay off the narrow 'hiking only' trails. and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. The Friends of Back Bay was instrumental in gaining approval for the expansion and obtaining $24 million of funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund to purchase land from willing sellers within the acquisition boundary. 8 listed. Habitats are also used by a wide assortment of other wildlife, including such threatened and endangered species as the loggerhead sea turtle. Just do yourself a favor and take a trip to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge while you're staying with us in Sandbridge! If you're looking for elevation gain, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge has you covered. We do not guarantee that the websites we link to comply with Section 508 (Accessibility Requirements) of the Rehabilitation Act. The refuges grasslands, marshes and forests serve as ideal habitat . Search for volunteer opportunities around the country, News about wonderful wild things and places, FWS is taking steps to mitigate climate impacts, Search employment opportunities with USFWS, Elementary (Grades K-5), Middle/Junior High (Grades 6-8), High School (Grades 9-12) (10 - 15), Candidate Conservation Agreements (CCA & CCAA), Coastal Barrier Resources Act Project Consultation, Coastal Barrier Resources System Property Documentation. Refuge visitors upload photographs from their phones at four designated locations. Fish & Wildlife Service. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Virginia Beach Tram tours begin at the wildlife refuge parking lot and start with a ride through the wildlife refuge to reach the state park. At the next traffic light, proceed straight, continuing on Princess Anne Rd, which changes names to Sandbridge Rd. Turn right onto Birdneck Road. The Visitor Contact Station is one mile from the main entrance. Fish & Wildlife Service. Featured Trails. Volunteers are an integral part of many aspects of the operations at Back Bay NWR. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. AllTrails has 6 great trails for birding and more. Join us at the refuge as we use our senses to investigate our environment and keep track of it all in our nature journals. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. F CLOSED TO PUBLIC VisitorContactStation! 4.0Value. Find a Park - U.S. National Park Service Outdoor facilities are open daily dawn to dusk. The "humming" and chirps of hummingbirds are abundant in the park during the summer months. j ! Fish & Wildlife Service. Elementary (Grades K-5), Middle/Junior High (Grades 6-8), High . And let's be real, ducks are adorable. The Society depends on donations to fund programs and projects. ft 2 bedrooms 6 beds Sleeps 5 1 bathroom 1 full bath Spaces Kitchen Living Room Google Maps Searching for Sturgeon in the St. Marys River, FL/GA Working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Fish & Wildlife Service: Refuge brochure (archived), U.S. Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Northern mile of beach ! The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located in southern Virginia Beach and is an 8,000-acre fresh water refuge near Virginia's outer banks. View map in 3D Hide 3D map More Info. According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 camping trail in Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge which is West Dike, Barbour Hill, Sand Ridge Beach Loop with an average 4.5 star rating from 159 community reviews. Home [bbnwrs.org] Photographs contribute to scientific documentation of the refuge habitats. We went to the Bay trail first which lead right to Back Bay protected from the ocean waves. The habitats include beach, dunes, woodlands, agricultural fields, and freshwater marshes. The habitats include beach, dunes, woodlands, agricultural fields, and freshwater marshes. Explore the most popular wildlife trails in Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Loggerheads were named for their relatively large heads, which support powerful jaws and enable them to feed on hard-shelled prey, such as whelks and conch. 3106 to register. Quiet, but not deserted. Tiffany Mirisoleiman. Fish & Wildlife Service. How we rank things to do. Sometimes, all you want is a little peace, and when you're in Virginia Beach, the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is the place . The 2.7 miles of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Trail System consists of seven, interconnected trails that provide opportunities to observe the wildlife and vegetation of the refuges seven distinct habitats- ocean, beach, marsh, shrubs, grassland, maritime forest and freshwater bay. Before the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge was acquired by the Federal government, the barrier beach was generally quite flat and sandy. Refuge staff work with local schools and community organizations to provide environmental education activities that connect children with nature and foster a love of the outdoors. A canoe/kayak launch is available for those wishing to explore the NWRfrom the water. If you love exploring the outdoors, a nature journal is a great way to remember all of the amazing things you find. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 12 min to complete. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Virginia is located in the independent city of Virginia Beach. As many of us around the country are hearing reports of water temperatures in South Florida hitting highs that may make a swim in Biscayne Bay feel like a jacuzzi dip, staff from the Peninsular Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (FWCO) are seeing water temperatures reaching 82F on the northern boundary of the state, the St. Marys River.