![]() | ChincoteagueBrochure |
Brochure of Chincoteague (NWR) in Virginia. Published by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS).
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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Chincoteague is one of more than 5
refuges and approximately
million
acres in the National Wildlife
Refuge System administered by the
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
The National Wildlife Refuge System
is a network of lands and waters
managed specifically for the
protection of wildlife and wildlife
habitat and represents the most
comprehensive wildlife resource
management program in the world.
Units of the system stretch across the
United States from northern Alaska
to the Florida Keys and include small
islands in the Caribbean and South
Pacific. The character of the refuges is
as diverse as the nation itself.
The Service also manages National
Fish Hatcheries, and provides Federal
leadership in habitat protection, fish
and wildlife research, technical
assistance and the conservation and
protection of migratory birds, certain
marine mammals and threatened and
endangered species.
The National Park Service,
Assateague Island National Seashore
assists Chincoteague Refuge with
environmental education and
recreational activities on a portion
of the beach. The Toms Cove Visitor
Center is located near the beach
parking lots and offers a variety of
programs and exhibits. For more
information, please call the Toms
Cove Visitor Center at 757/336 6577.
In 1965, Congress established
the Assateague Island National
Seashore, encompassing
Chincoteague Refuge as well as
the northern portion of Assateague
Island. The legislation stated
that the primary management of
Chincoteague Refuge was for wildlife
and the secondary use was for public
recreation, including interpretation
and education.
Equal opportunity to participate in,
and benefit from, the programs and
activities of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service is available to all individuals,
regardless of age, race, religion, color,
sex, national origin, or disability.
Contact: U.S. Department of the
Interior, Office of Equal Employment
Opportunity, 1849 C Street N.W.,
Washington, DC 20240.
Cover photo: Michael Colopy
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
8231 Beach Road
P.O. Box 62
Chincoteague Island, VA 23336-0062
757/336 6122
757/336 5273 FAX
E-mail: FW5RW_CNWR@FWS.GOV
www.fws.gov/refuge/Chincoteague
Federal Relay Service
for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
1800/877 8339
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
1800/344 WILD
http://www.fws.gov
ugu t 2018
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Chincoteague
National Wildlife
Refuge
Chincoteague National
Wildlife Refuge
includes more than
14,000 acres of beach,
dunes, marsh, and
maritime forest.
Within a workday’s
access to millions of
people, Chincoteague
Refuge is one of the
most visited refuges
in the United States,
providing visitors
with outstanding
opportunities to learn
about and enjoy
wildlands and wildlife.
Introduction
Sur ishin
Photo: US WS
Most of the refuge is located on the
Virginia end of Assateague Island;
however, 418 acres are on the
Maryland side of the island, 427
acres are found on Morris Island,
and 546 acres comprise Wildcat
Marsh on the northern tip of
Chincoteague Island. Additionally,
Chincoteague Refuge’s boundaries
extend south and encompass all or
part of the following barrier islands:
Assawoman, Metompkin, and Cedar.
The refuge’s location along the
Atlantic Flyway makes it a vital
resting and feeding spot for a large
number and diversity of birds.
Chincoteague Refuge, originally
established in 1943 to provide
habitat for migratory birds (with an
emphasis on conserving greater snow
geese), today provides habitat for
waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds,
and song birds, as well as other
species of wildlife and plants. Refuge
staff manage this barrier island
habitat to allow many species of
wildlife to co-exist, each establishing
their own place in the environment.
Refuge management programs
restore threatened and endangered
species and conserve local wildlife
and plants. The refuge also provides
wildlife-dependent recreational
opportunities such as fishing,
hunting, wildlife photography and
observation, interpretation, and
environmental education.
n iron ental e u ation
Photo: US WS
Island History
Remnants of Assateague Island’s history can still be
found on the refuge. For example, the famous
“Chincoteague Ponies” are a present-day reminder of
Assateague Island’s past. Although no one is certain
when or how the ponies first arrived on the island, a
popular legend tells of ponies that escaped a
shipwrecked Spanish galleon and swam ashore.
However, most historians believe that settlers used the
island for grazing livestock (including ponies and other
farm animals) in the 17th Century to avoid fencing
regulations and taxation. Regardless of their origin, the
descendants of these ponies are still living here today.
During the 1800s and early 1900s, a community of
people also lived on Assateague Island. In addition to
homes, the community included a school and a dry
goods store.
The iconic red and white striped Assateague
Lighthouse is a beacon to sailors and tourists alike.
The present building, completed in 1867, stands 142
feet tall - a needed improvement from the original
45-foot tall structure built in 1833. Although the Refuge
preserves the structure today, the U.S. Coast Guard
continues to maintain the light as an active aid to
navigation. Seasonal tours are offered by the refuge
friends group, Chincoteague Natural History
Association.
The endangered
seabeach amaranth
is well adapted to
survive the harsh
seashore conditions.
Photo: USFWS
Habitat and Wildlife
Chincoteague Refuge provides food
and shelter for a wide variety of
wildlife and plants. In fact, more than
3 0 species of birds are known to
occur on the refuge. The refuge also
supports breeding populations of the
the threatened piping plover and
r n d
d
ar a n n a
o
rr . Bald eagles and
peregrine falcons also nest and
migrate through the refuge.
Although the beach is a major
attraction for visitors in the summer,
this habitat, characterized by harsh
temperatures, lack of vegetation, and
changing tides, can be hard on
wildlife and plants year-round. Where
the sandy shoreline blends into the
dunes, beach grasses grow and secure
the sand. Despite these conditions,
this is where you will discover the
endangered seabeach amaranth
growing.
Assate ue i hthouse
Photo:US WS
Another type of habitat found on the
refuge is wetlands, which consist of
both salt and fresh water areas.
The refuge staff manages both
freshwater and brackish wetlands as
moist-soil management units or
“pools.” These managed areas are
important to all wildlife such as birds,
waterfowl, and amphibians.
Pipin plo er
Photo: hris
utierre US WS
The saltwater estuaries which lie
to the west of the barrier islands
are some of the most productive
habitat found anywhere. A variety
of mollusks and crustaceans live and
feed in the refuge’s salt marshes.
This habitat is vital to black ducks
and many other migratory birds for
nesting and feeding.
Maritime forests are located
on higher ground. This habitat is
primarily loblolly pine, whose pine
cones are the primary food source
for the endangered Delmarva
Peninsula fox squirrel. A variety of
oaks are also scattered throughout
this habitat. Several species of
snakes (non-poisonous), as well as
rabbit, raccoon, fox, white-tailed deer,
and sika (an oriental elk) live in these
woodlands. Birds of prey, known
as raptors, also nest in the maritime
forest and soar above the tree line
in search of food.
Maritime forest
Photo: US WS
Mos uito rin in ne tar
Photo: Aubrey Hall US WS
Pere rine falcon
Photo: Michael Colopy
Management
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service refuge
managers and biologists manage
habitats on national wildlife
refuges to conserve, restore, and
protect fish, wildlife, and plants.
Habitat management ensures
Americans that their natural
resource heritage will be conserved
for future generations to enjoy.
rasshopper
Photo: Aubrey
Hall US WS
reat ret
Photo:
ily rey
US WS
Perhaps the most noticeable
management technique on the refuge
is the careful manipulation of water
levels in the moist-soil management
units or “pools.” Chincoteague
Refuge has 14 such pools that total
over 2,600 acres. Water control
structures in these areas allow
biologists to lower water levels in
the spring to create a mudflat-type
environment to attract shorebirds.
Biologists also reduce water levels
in the pools to concentrate fish for
wading birds to feed upon, provide
ideal feeding conditions for
shorebirds, grow plants as a food
source for waterfowl, and reduce
the number of plants that are low
in nutrition for wildlife.
In the fall, water control structures
are closed to catch rainwater. The
higher water levels provide habitat
for waterfowl and other migratory
birds. This careful manipulation of
water levels is vital in attracting
a wide variety of birds and other
wildlife to the refuge.
unlin
Photo: US WS
Refuge staff are also heavily involved
with managing and protecting the
threatened piping plover, a beach
nesting shorebird that uses all of the
refuge’s barrier islands. Biologists
place protective closures around
nests, control predation, and
intensively monitor these birds from
March through August.
Protecting sensitive habitats by
closing areas, also helps to protect
threatened and endangered species
such as the piping plover and
Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel.
Setting aside certain habitat areas to
reduce disturbance by people helps
preserve the natural heritage that
many Americans have come to love
and treasure.
el ar a peninsula
o s uirrel
Photo: hris
utierre
Ponies
Photo: Mi
leton
ans
January and
February
March
April and May
Wildlife Calendar
These months are typically cold
and blustery. The refuge’s moist-soil
management units usually host
a wide variety of wintering
waterfowl, including large numbers
of snow geese.
The migratory waterfowl begin to
depart for their northern breeding
grounds. On March 15, the southern
end of the island, known as the
“Hook,” is closed to all public
use to protect habitat for the
threatened piping plover and other
beach nesting birds.
A diversity of migratory shorebirds
and songbirds arrive on the refuge.
Visitors are encouraged to celebrate
Earth Day with a
o
r
r
ro
annual
International Migratory Bird
Celebration during Mother’s Day
Weekend.
June
This marks the beginning of the high
tourist season as people migrate to
the seashore for family vacations.
Ticks and tick-borne diseases require
visitors to check for unwanted
“hitchhikers” after exploring the
refuge’s many hiking and biking
trails. The first week of June is
National Fishing Week.
July
Many visitors flock to the refuge on
the last consecutive Wednesday and
Thursday of July for the annual pony
penning activities. Many species of
wading birds, gulls, terns, and
songbirds can be found throughout
the refuge.
August
Mole crabs, ghost crabs and coquina
clams frequent the seashore and
herons and egrets line the ditches
along Beach Road. Southward
shorebird migration begins.
September and
October
From mid-September to mid-October
a number of hawks and falcons
migrate through Assateague Island.
The first migratory waterfowl arrive
in September; however, the peak
waterfowl migration usually occurs
in November and December.
National Wildlife Refuge Week
is celebrated Columbus Day
weekend.
November and
December
These are splendid months to observe
a variety of waterfowl, including snow
geese. Chincoteague Refuge boasts
housands of snow geese who overwinter or use the area for feeding and
resting as they migrate further south.
Additionally, visitors can tour the
northern portion of the refuge during
Thanksgiving as part of the annual
Waterfowl Week nd Celebration.
Each and every season at
Chincoteague National Wildlife
Refuge has its own unique beauty and
wildlife. Come and enjoy them all!
Sunset ro
ea h oa
Photo: Aubrey Hall
Visitor Activities
Chincoteague Refuge is one of the
most visited refuges in the nation,
receiving approximately 1.5 million
visits each year. A variety of
wildlife-dependent recreational
opportunities are available on the
refuge. Opportunities include:
Herbert H. Bateman
Educational and
Administrative
Center
A host of exhibits, displays,
brochures, and wildlife-oriented
programs and films are available
to visitors. Refuge staff and
volunteers are available to answer
questions and help plan activities.
Trails
A variety of paved trails are open
to hikers and/or bicyclists. These
trails include the Marsh, Woodland,
Black Duck, Swan Cove, and
Lighthouse Trails as well as the
Wildlife Loop. The Wildlife Loop is
also open to vehicles after 3:00 pm.
The Lighthouse Trail offers visitors
an up-close view of the historic
Assateague Lighthouse.
Fishing and
Crabbing
Surf fishing is a popular refuge
activity: after-hours permits are
available for those who wish to surf
fish at night. Fishing and crabbing
are also permitted in Swan Cove and
other designated areas. Shellfishing
is permitted in Toms Cove.
Boating
Boats are permitted to land on
designated areas on Toms Cove Hook
from September 1 through March 14.
Hunting
O er San
Vehicle Use
Big game, waterfowl, and rail hunting
are available by permit during
designated periods and only in
certain areas.
O r and vehicling is permitted on a
small section of the beach, which is
subject to unexpected closures due to
overwash or nesting species. Permits
are required and are available at
refuge headquarters or Toms Cove
Visitor Center.
Educational
Programs
School groups can arrange
d d visit o the refuge and
learn about wildlife, plants, and
their habitats.
Photo US WS
Regulations
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
encourages you to enjoy your visit,
but remember, protecting wildlife,
plants, and their habitats is the
priority. Regulations exist for the
welfare of wildlife, as well as for
your safety. Please read and comply
with the following list of
regulations. Please note that the
list is not all inclusive; therefore,
remember that if an activity is not
listed in a brochure or on a sign as
being allowed, then it is not.
Please remember to:
n
obey posted speed limits, wildlife
is often seen near roads;
n protect habitat by parking only in
designated areas, not on road
shoulders;
d n d
dn
d
and on
a and
dan ro a
a n a
or
d
ro
d
a
o
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Map
Toby
Islands
pets (even in vehicles);
collecting, removing, or damaging
plants or animals;
collecting/removing more than one
gallon of unoccupied sea shells per
person per day;
removing driftwood;
Greenback
Bay
Wallops
Flight Facility
(NASA)
Chincoteague Bay
NASA
Visitor Center
Thurf Marsh
Islands
679
NASA
Pitts
Island
Wills
Hole
Old
Fields
Ragged
Point
N
North Wash Flats
Town
of
Chincoteague
Scale
South
Wash
Flats
Morris
Island
0
Atlantic Ocean
Little Oyster
Bay
open fires;
Memorial
Park
in-line-skating, skate-boarding,
roller-skating, scooters;
e
gu
tea el
sa ann Janeys
s
A Ch
Creek
Horse
Marsh
Marsh
Woodland
Trail
Pony
View
Swan Cove
Pool
eL
lif
Black Duck
Trail
r s h Trail
o op
nd
Po
Gadwall Pool
Toms
Cove
Hook
Old Coast
Guard
Station
(NPS)
4000 Feet
Service Road
Pintail Pool
Hiking Trails
Mallard Pool
Hiking/Biking Trails
Pool
il
Tra
ve
o
C
an
Sw
Closed Areas - Stay On
Trails
Off-Road Vehicle Zone
Southern Islands
Fishing
Point
Toms Cove
2000
1 Mile
Legend
Farm Fields Pool
Shoveler
Snow Goose
Pool
W il d
Assateague
Point
Wildlife Loop
Parking Area
FWS
Visitor
Center
w
So
ad
Ro
ce
rvi
e
S
Lighthouse Trail
Black Duck
Marsh
Black Duck
Pool
Wallops
Island
(NASA)
0
.5
Piney
Island
Ma
mopeds and other motorized vehicles
on designated bicycle and walking
trails
Oyster
Bay
rd
eva
oul
xB
ddo
Ma
t
tree
in S
Ma
175
camping;
consuming alcoholic beverages;
ay
dB
Great
Neck
t
Stree
Main
175
boats and flotation devices within
refuge water impoundments;
launching, landing, or operating
unmanned aircraft (such as drones);
Smith Bay
Tumps
Cherrytree
Hill
Moss
Point
Calfpen
Bay
Pope
Islands
Assateague
Bay
bicycling on the beach;
climbing onto or digging into fragile
sand dunes;
Wildcat
Point
Wildcat Marsh
use of metal detectors;
Beac
h Roa
d
Photo: US WS
Coards Marsh
Toby
Isl
an
The following items and /or
activities are prohibited:
MARY
L
VIRGI AND
NIA
Seasonally closes on
March 15 reopens Late Fall
Little Toms
Cove
Assateague
Island
NPS
Visitor Center
Beach Access
and Parking
Off-road Vehicle Zone
Assawoman
Island
Metompkin
Island
Cedar
Island
Chincoteague
Refuge includes
all or parts
of these islands
Observation Platform
The ORV zone includes nesting habitat
for the Piping Plover, a threatened
bird species. To aid in the recovery
of this species, the ORV zone will be
subject to partial closure to all ORV,
boat and pedestrian use during the
nesting season
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Chincoteague is one of more than 5
refuges and approximately
million
acres in the National Wildlife
Refuge System administered by the
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
The National Wildlife Refuge System
is a network of lands and waters
managed specifically for the
protection of wildlife and wildlife
habitat and represents the most
comprehensive wildlife resource
management program in the world.
Units of the system stretch across the
United States from northern Alaska
to the Florida Keys and include small
islands in the Caribbean and South
Pacific. The character of the refuges is
as diverse as the nation itself.
The Service also manages National
Fish Hatcheries, and provides Federal
leadership in habitat protection, fish
and wildlife research, technical
assistance and the conservation and
protection of migratory birds, certain
marine mammals and threatened and
endangered species.
The National Park Service,
Assateague Island National Seashore
assists Chincoteague Refuge with
environmental education and
recreational activities on a portion
of the beach. The Toms Cove Visitor
Center is located near the beach
parking lots and offers a variety of
programs and exhibits. For more
information, please call the Toms
Cove Visitor Center at 757/336 6577.
In 1965, Congress established
the Assateague Island National
Seashore, encompassing
Chincoteague Refuge as well as
the northern portion of Assateague
Island. The legislation stated
that the primary management of
Chincoteague Refuge was for wildlife
and the secondary use was for public
recreation, including interpretation
and education.
Equal opportunity to participate in,
and benefit from, the programs and
activities of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service is available to all individuals,
regardless of age, race, religion, color,
sex, national origin, or disability.
Contact: U.S. Department of the
Interior, Office of Equal Employment
Opportunity, 1849 C Street N.W.,
Washington, DC 20240.
Cover photo: Michael Colopy
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
8231 Beach Road
P.O. Box 62
Chincoteague Island, VA 23336-0062
757/336 6122
757/336 5273 FAX
E-mail: FW5RW_CNWR@FWS.GOV
www.fws.gov/refuge/Chincoteague
Federal Relay Service
for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
1800/877 8339
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
1800/344 WILD
http://www.fws.gov
ugu t 2018
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Chincoteague
National Wildlife
Refuge