Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
LOCALITY |
OWNER |
ACRES |
ACCESS |
NEWS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | DCR | 3441 | Under Construction |
SITE DESCRIPTION:
This is one of Virginia's largest natural area preserves, encompassing nearly 3,500 acres, and is mostly comprised of wetland communities, five of which are rare in Virginia. Especially notable is the presence of pocosins, a community type that is fast disappearing from the southeast U.S. Pocosins are characterized by tangled masses of dense evergreen shrubs and vines with a scattered pond pine overstory. This unique wetland community and the forested swamps and freshwater tidal marshes of the lower North Landing River support at least 11 rare species of plants and animals. The area also provides important habitat for breeding and wintering waterfowl.
Notice: This preserve is closed for construction and is scheduled to reopen to public access by the end of calendar year 2026.
Access facilities will include a new 10-car parking lot with an ADA accessible parking spot, regraded stone trail, continuous boardwalk with a terminus overlooking the water, and interpretive signage. The North Landing River, a designated state scenic river, provides close encounters with nature and a sense of wildness only a short distance from the busy, fast-developing communities of Virginia Beach and Chesapeake.
Part or all of the preserve may be periodically closed for resource protection or property maintenance activities. Research is conducted on various Preserves, research permit applications are available online.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
A portion of the acquisition and public access improvements on this preserve were funded by the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program at the Department of Environmental Quality through Grant #NA22NOS4190187, NA27OZ0312-01, NA47OZ0287-01, NA57OZ0561-01, and NA67OZ0360-01 of the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended.
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