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Back Bay NWR

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description Back Bay NWR Overview

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a protected coastal area in Virginia Beach, Virginia, established in 1938. It conserves barrier beach, dunes, maritime forest, marshes, and freshwater impoundments along the Atlantic Flyway, providing feeding and resting habitat for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Visitors use designated areas for wildlife observation, photography, hiking, fishing, and access toward False Cape State Park.

help Back Bay NWR FAQ

Can you drive through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge?

Public vehicle access is restricted and changes seasonally, so most visitors explore designated trails or permitted routes. The refuge is in Virginia Beach and protects the narrow coastal landscape north of False Cape State Park.

How do visitors reach False Cape State Park through Back Bay?

There is no ordinary public road entrance into False Cape from the north, so visitors commonly hike, bike, or use an authorized seasonal transport service through the refuge. Access rules can change to protect wildlife and sensitive habitat.

Which birds use Back Bay during migration?

The refuge lies on the Atlantic Flyway and provides resting and feeding areas for ducks, geese, shorebirds, and other migrants. Freshwater impoundments complement its dunes, marshes, barrier beach, and maritime forest.

Why was Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge established?

Established in 1938, the refuge was created chiefly to protect habitat for migratory birds. Its location between the Atlantic Ocean and Back Bay makes it an important coastal stopover and wintering area.

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