Pending weather conditions, on Sunday, September 14, 2025 the refuge will conduct aerial spraying of invasive, non-native phragmites. To further enhance native vegetation communities and maintain open viewscapes of wetland habitats, treatment will continue in areas north of Beach Road to Gadwall Pool. The refuge will also spray areas within Swan Cove and along Swan Cove Trail out to the beach.
To ensure safety of the public and those involved in the operations, and prevent visitors from being exposed to the herbicide application, the refuge will close selected roads and trails on the morning of the application day(s). The Wildlife Loop, Marsh Trail, the Service Road, Black Duck Trail, Swan Cove Trail, C Dike and D Dike will be closed the treatment day with some areas remaining closed up to 48 hours following treatment.
Visit Us
With 15 miles of hiking and a pristine beach, there are plenty of opportunities to seek out wildlife and connect with the area's rich cultural history.
Location and Contact Information
About Us
Located on the Indigenous homelands of the Pocomoke and Occohannock people, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge protects beach, dune, marsh, and maritime forest habitats. Originally established in 1943 to protect migratory birds, this refuge is now one of the most visited in the United States. This gem of Eastern Virginia is a birder's paradise, as well as the home of cultural treasures such as Assateague Lighthouse and the world famous Chincoteague ponies.
What We Do
With a focus on providing high quality habitat for migratory birds, our refuge features 14 moist soil management units that serve as a rest and refueling location for waterfowl, shorebirds and other coastal birds during their long journeys. In the summer, our biology team works to protect the habitat and nesting sites of the threatened piping plover, as well as other beach nesting birds such as the American oystercatcher and least tern. In our forests, we were a proud contributor to the recovery of the once endangered Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel population. Setting aside certain habitat areas to reduce disturbance by people helps us preserve the natural heritage that many American have come to love and treasure.
Our Species
We have a diversity of habitats, ranging from the beach and dunes to the vast salt marshes to the west of the islands. It's no surprise then that our wildlife is equally varied and bountiful, from the Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel, an animal recently removed from the endangered species list, to our vast array of migratory and nesting birds such as the threatened piping plover. This refuge is truly a wildlife enthusiast's paradise.