Back Bay Refuge contains over 8,000
acres, situated on and around a thin
strip of coastline typical of barrier
islands found along the Atlantic and
Gulf coasts. Habitats include beach,
dunes, woodland, farm fields, and
marsh. The majority of refuge marshlands
are on islands contained within the
waters of Back Bay.
Approximately 10,000
snow geese and a large variety of
ducks visit Back Bay Refuge during
the peak of fall migration, usually
in December. The refuge also provides
habitat for a wide assortment of other
wildlife, including threatened and
endangered species such as loggerhead
sea turtles, piping plovers, peregrine
falcons, and bald eagles.
Back Bay provides
scenic trails, a visitor contact station,
and, with advance scheduling, group
educational opportunities. The Back
Bay Refuge is located near Virginia
Beach, Virginia - south of Sandbridge,
Virginia at the southern end of Sandpiper
Road.
Approximately
100,000 people visit Back Bay National
Wildlife Refuge each year. They come
to enjoy the unique beauty of the
area, to learn about wildlife, and
to participate in environmental education
and wildlife-dependent recreation.
Because wildlife needs to have priority
on a wildlife refuge, you may encounter
seasonal closures and special regulations
during your visit.
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