Wreck Island Natural Area Preserve

SITE DESCRIPTION:
Wreck Island is part of Virginia's Atlantic coast barrier island chain. This pristine island preserve consists of beach, dune, maritime grassland/shrubland, salt flat and salt marsh habitats, and is an important nursery for colonial nesting birds. In fact, the preserve has been designated as an Audubon Important Bird Area as part of the Barrier Island/Lagoon System IBA, which extends from Assateague Island south to Fisherman Island NWR. This IBA is considered one of the most important in VA. Impressive dune-like mounds of ancient shells once paralleled much of the beach, but were completely flattened by Hurricane Isabelle. Wind, waves and ocean currents continuously reshape the island, which is slowly migrating towards the mainland.

VISITATION:
Wreck Island Natural Area Preserve can only be accessed by boat. The preserve is open to the public September 1 through April 14, which includes prime surf fishing periods. The preserve is closed to all visitation from April 15 through August 31 to protect nesting birds. Hunting, camping, fires and unleashed dogs are prohibited year-round.

A preserve guide factsheet and map are available to assist in planning your visit. You will need the Adobe Acrobat reader to view and or print this factsheet.

Also, part or all of the preserve may be periodically closed for resource protection or resource management activities. Please call before visiting.

Locality

Northampton

Owner

DCR

Preserve Size

1380 acres

Access

Yes, with Seasonal Restrictions

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.