Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge is seeking public review and comment on a Draft Compatibility Determination for environmental education and interpretation, and wildlife observation and photography. The refuge proposes conduction of these activities where they do not compromise the mission and operations of the national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service� for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge . The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will accept comments received or postmarked on or before June 20, 2025.
The Service prepares compatibility determinations to ensure that public and economic uses of national wildlife refuges do not interfere with or detract from the purposes for which each refuge was established. Compatibility determinations also describe how these uses would contribute towards achieving refuge purposes and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Comments or requests for additional information may be made by email to [email protected] or U.S. Mail to 5003 Hallett Circle, Cape Charles, VA. 23310, Attn: Refuge Manager.
All comments received from individuals become part of the official public record. The Service’s practice is to make comments, including names and home addresses of respondents, available for public review during regular business hours. Individual respondents can request that we withhold their home address from the record, which we will honor to the extent allowable by law. If you wish to have your name and/or address withheld, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your comments.
Read the Draft Compatibility Determinations here:
Environmental Education and Interpretation
Wildlife Observation and Photography
Visit Us
National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. We offer a variety of wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities, so it'll be easy to discover your nature connection at Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge.
Fees
- General entrance is free!
- There is a $10 fee to use the boat ramp. Please see our motorized boating section under activities for details.
Activities
Visitors looking to immerse in nature can enjoy miles of trails or get a pass to launch their boat for a day on the water. History buffs might discover the World War II bunker and gun barrel while others spend time at the saltmarsh overlook or bicycling on a trail.
Trails
Our trails guide you through the timeless nature and surprising history of our refuge.
Related Documents
Other Facilities in the Complex
We are managed as part of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, this group of sites protect similar habitat types and wildlife. This means common management needs can be applied toward a common purpose throughout the Complex.
Rules and Policies
Help us protect habitat and keep both you and our wildlife safe by following all rules and policies during your visit. Keep in mind that unless explicitly posted as a nature trail, public road, parking lot, or building, all areas of the refuge are closed to public entry. If you can't find information about your desired activity, give us a call!
Locations
A great place to start your day, the visitor center invites you to revisit the past. Discover treasures of the ocean and land at the Touch Table. Explore the habitats protected by the Refuge. Enhance your experience with a wildlife video. Learn about the Journey of the Monarch while pretending you are a Monarch butterfly biologist! Count all the migrating birds depicted in displays. Visit the Butterfly Garden. Whatever your interest, the Visitor Center is a great place to begin an exploration of the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge.
The Eastern Shore of Virginia and Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuges are located off Route 13 in Virginia just north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
- From Route 13 go East on Seaside Road (Rt 600)
- Follow Seaside Rd for about 450 feet and turn right at the Visitor Center Access Road
- The parking lot is at the end of this road (~750 feet)
Staff offices are located at the refuge's headquarters. Pease call to schedule an appointment.
The Eastern Shore of Virginia and Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuges are located off Route 13 in Virginia just north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
- From Route 13 go East on Seaside Road (Rt 600)
- Follow Seaside Rd for about 0.3 mile to the intersection with Fitchett Rd
- Turn right to drive South on Fitchett for ¼ mile, Refuge Headquarters is on the left.