Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia Eastern Shore, United States
Description
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is a nature sanctuary covering about 14,000 acres with beaches, dunes, marshes, and maritime forests. The protected lands span Assateague Island, Morris Island, and Wildcat Marsh, creating diverse habitats for wildlife.
History
The refuge was established in 1943 when the Fields family sold their land to the federal government. This purchase became a landmark moment for coastal conservation and protection of wildlife habitats in the region.
Culture
Each July, the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company organizes Pony Penning, when wild ponies swim between Assateague and Chincoteague islands. This event is deeply rooted in the local community and draws visitors who come to watch the spectacle.
Practical
The Herbert H. Bateman Educational Center provides visitor information, maps, and guidance through knowledgeable staff. The building itself demonstrates sustainable practices through geothermal and solar power, showing how the refuge operates responsibly.
Did you know?
The refuge maintains specialized wetland units designed to attract thousands of migratory birds during their journey. These carefully managed areas show how active land stewardship supports conservation goals.
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Assateague Light
5.9 km
NASA Visitor Center
12.5 km
Captain Timothy Hill House
3.6 km
John B. Whealton Memorial Causeway
9.2 km
Governor John Walter Smith House
25.3 km
Museum of Chincoteague Island
4.5 km
NASA's Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center
12.5 km
Assateague Beach Coast Guard Station
11 km
James Martin House
25.1 km
Samuel Gunn House
25.6 km
Arbuckle Place
20.5 km
Chanceford
25.3 km
Refuge Waterfowl Museum
4.6 km
Wharton Place
22.4 km
Chincoteague Island Library
5.8 km
Watson House
5.2 km
Crockett House
24.8 km
Museum of Chincoteague Island
4.7 km
Maui Jack's Waterpark
4.6 km
Captain Timothy Hill House
3.6 km
Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center
6.1 km
Wallops Beach
17.4 km
Killock Shoal Light
6 km
Toms Cove Visitor Center
7.6 km
Lighthouse Trail
5.9 km
NASA Wallops Island
18.8 km
Bow Beach
877 m
NASA Wallops Island bridge
19.1 km
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