Cape Charles Coastal Habitat Natural Area Preserve

SITE DESCRIPTION:
This preserve is found on the Bay side of the Eastern Shore. Its 29 acres feature coastal beach, dune, and maritime forest habitats. The preserve provides habitat for the federally threatened northeastern beach tiger beetle. Coast bedstraw, an herbaceous plant, grows on the dunes at the interface between open grassy areas and shaded areas where shrubs and trees dominate. On their way south in the fall, numerous species of migratory songbirds and raptors find essential travel necessities of cover and food in the forest.

VISITATION:
A boardwalk taking visitors through several natural communities and ending with an overlook to the beach and Bay is now open to the public. Due to the sensitivity of the habitat, access to the beach is restricted to researchers and land managers.

The preserve is owned and managed by Northampton Co. IDA with technical assistance from the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Locality

Northhampton

Owner

Northampton County Industrial Development Authority (IDA).

Preserve Size

29 acres

Access

By arrangement with Northampton Co. IDA.

CONTACT INFO

For additional information or to arrange a visit, contact:

Dot Field , Eastern Shore Region Steward
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Division of Natural Heritage
Wachapreague, VA
(757)-787-5576.