Mutton Hunk Fen Natural Area Preserve

Mutton Hunk Fen Natural Area Preserve is a protected natural area in Accomack County that spans more than 500 acres along Gargathy Bay. The land features a rare fen ecosystem where freshwater springs mix with tidal marshes, creating distinctive wetland conditions found in few other locations.

The preserve was established to protect a rare ecological environment, with approximately 220 acres of former farmland converted into natural habitats. This transformation created crucial refuges for migratory birds and other wildlife dependent on such specialized wetland settings.

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation maintains this preserve as part of its commitment to protecting rare ecological communities.

The area is accessible by walking trails ranging from about 0.25 to 0.6 miles departing from a parking area on Baker Road. Visitors should prepare for wet ground and marshy conditions by wearing appropriate waterproof footwear.

Despite its location near saltwater environments, the preserve sustains freshwater wetland plants that typically do not occur in coastal settings. Underground springs create acidic soil conditions that support this unusual and unexpected mix of plant life.