Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge

This refuge spans 2,277 acres of oak and hickory forest along the Potomac River, featuring 4.4 miles of shoreline and northern Virginia's largest freshwater marsh.

In 1969, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service established this refuge as the first federal sanctuary dedicated specifically to protecting the bald eagle population.

The refuge conducts regular educational programs about local wildlife, focusing on the resident bald eagles, herons, and diverse bird species that inhabit the area.

Visitors can access multiple trails for wildlife observation and photography, with a paved path designed for wheelchair accessibility through the marsh environment.

The refuge contains habitats supporting 211 bird species, 200 plant varieties, 31 types of mammals, and 40 species of reptiles and amphibians within its boundaries.

Location: Virginia

Inception: 1969

Operator: United States Fish and Wildlife Service

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/mason_neck

GPS coordinates: 38.64080,-77.15330

Latest update: March 26, 2025 21:39