SITE DESCRIPTION:
The Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve is currently jointly owned by the Virginia Department of Conservation and
Recreation and The Nature Conservancy. This 286-acre preserve encompasses woodlands, forested wetlands and
extensive salt marshes. These communities provide habitat for a variety of coastal species. Waterfowl,
shorebirds and wading birds forage in the salt marsh for mussel, snails, fish and crustaceans. Diamondback
terrapins and clapper rails are common on the mud flats. The woodlands provide excellent resting and foraging
habitat for migratory songbirds. Warblers, orioles and other migratory songbirds utilize the abundance of trees
and shrubs to rest and replenish energy reserves before crossing the Chesapeake Bay.
VISITATION:
This recently acquired preserve and public access facilities are still in the development stage. A portion of
the property is temporarily leased for agriculture.
Part or all of the preserve may be periodically closed for resource management activities.
Please call before visiting.
