Occoquan BayBrochure |
Brochure of Occoquan Bay Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Virginia. Published by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS).
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Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck, Occoquan Bay and
Featherstone National Wildlife Refuges are all managed
under the Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge
is located at
14050 Dawson Beach Road
Woodbridge, VA 22191
For further information, contact:
Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge Complex
Headquarters Office
12638 Darby Brooke Court
Woodbridge, VA 22192
703/490 4979
E-mail: potomacriverrefuges@fws.gov
Website: www.fws.gov/refuge/occoquan_bay/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/occoquanbay/
Federal Relay Service for the
deaf and hard-of-hearing
1 800/877 8339
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
1 800/344 WILD
June 2018
Eastern Towhee
©Cindy Kreticos
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Occoquan Bay
National Wildlife
Refuge
Welcome
Bill Wallen
This goose, designed by
J.N. “Ding” Darling, has
become the symbol of the
National Wildlife Refuge
System.
Male Northern
cardinal
December
sunset
Bill Wallen
Occoquan Bay
National Wildlife
Refuge is an oasis
where both migrating
birds and busy city
residents seek a
quiet escape from
development. Visitors
share this feeling of
peace as they hike
trails and watch
wildlife drawn to this
sanctuary in an
urban setting.
The Occoquan Bay National Wildlife
Refuge provides 642 acres of
unparalleled habitat for migrating
songbirds, raptors and waterfowl.
The vast man-made meadows and
freshwater tidal marshes play a vital
role in preserving the diversity of
plant and animal life in the heavily
populated region of northern Virginia.
This unique landscape is part of the
National Wildlife Refuge System and
has been recognized as an Important
Bird Area by the Audubon Society for
its significance in providing essential
habitat for birds.
Occoquan Bay National Wildlife
Refuge is one of more than 560
refuges in the National Wildlife
Refuge System administered by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a
federal agency. The National Wildlife
Refuge System is a network of lands
and waters managed specifically for
the protection of wildlife and wildlife
habitat for the continuing benefit of
the American people. It represents the
most comprehensive wildlife resource
management program in the world.
The Service also manages national
fish hatcheries and provides
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.
History
Visitor
Opportunities
When John Smith explored the
Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries,
he found a well established Dogue
Indian village at the Occoquan
River’s mouth. Floods, fire, and
farming kept the vegetation low
or in early succession, creating
meadows and open areas. The Army
obtained the site in 1950 for a radio
transmitting station, and fields of
antennas replaced cows and crops. In
the 1970’s, the base’s mission shifted
to electromagnetic pulse testing.
Occoquan Bay National Wildlife
Refuge was established in June
1998, to protect habitat for upland
nesting birds, migrating wildlife,
habitat diversity and environmental
education. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service continues to preserve these
grasslands that nurtured wildlife for
so long.
n
n
W
ildlife and Habitat Viewing
A network of roads from the site’s
military days forms the basis
for trails and a wildlife drive.
Approximately 4 miles of gravel
roads are reserved for foot traffic
only. The wildlife drive is a one
way, 2-mile loop. The wildlife drive
and trails are subject to seasonal
closures to minimize stress on
nesting and breeding wildlife or
to facilitate land management
activities.
Interpretation - Use our
interpretative kiosks and
information booths to choose a
refuge trail or route to explore.
Interpretive sites include the Main
Parking Lot Pavilion featuring
six interpretive panels and an
audio tour trail where visitors
can learn about Occoquan Bay’s
history, wildlife, ecosystems,
E S T g W
refuge activities, and maintenance
projects. To access the audio tour,
download the free UniGuide app to
your phone or computer, search for
Occoquan Bay refuge; then choose to
either download the audio and listen
offline, or just hit play and listen.
Nine listening locations are marked
with
throughout the refuge. More
information can be found at the main
parking lot kiosk.
n
nvironmental Education E
The refuge features several
environmental education sites
including two outdoor pavilions,
a 2.7 acre pond with a dock and
ramp, and a floating boardwalk in a
freshwater marsh. Environmental
education activities are primarily
self-guided field trips exploring
topics prepared by the teacher.
Interested educational groups or
institutions are required to obtain
a Special Use Permit to gain refuge
access for their program (refer to
permit section).
n
hotography - Wildlife photography
P
is an increasingly popular activity.
Visit the refuge photo blinds situated
at the parking lot, Marumsco
Creek, or the observation platform
near the intersection of Fox and
Deephole Point Roads. Photography
opportunities are boundless along all
refuge roads and trails open to the
public.
n
unting – The refuge uses hunting
H
as a tool to manage white-tailed
deer populations at a healthy level
compatible with planned habitat
goals and objectives. Deer hunting
is available by permit during
designated periods and only in
certain areas.
dHGFK
Occoquan Bay
Belmont Bay
Drive
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Wildlife
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National Wildlife
Refuge
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Entrance
ife
Dr
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Da
w
Be
ac
h
Ro
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Ro a
d
k
ee
t Cr
mon
Cata
Wildlife Drive
ad
Dr i ve
so
n
Cha
w Road
Lak
e
yvie
Ba
le
Ea s
ho
Road
Deep
Po
hol
d
ep
De
Fox
ree
o C
Roa
msc
ad
d
Ro
Roa
int
int
y
Po
M a ru
e
Painted
Turtle
Pond
k
Legend
Parking
Overlook/Photo Blind
Occoquan Bay
D ee phole
P oi nt
Roa
d
Environmental
Education
Foot Traffic Only
Vehicle, Bike & Foot Traffic
Portalet
Marsh
Audio Tour
N
0
0.25
0.5
Miles
Occoquan Bay National Wildlife
Refuge is a mosaic of habitats that
benefit multiple species of flora and
fauna in a relatively small area.
The mix of grasslands, shrublands,
wetlands, and wooded areas meet
the needs of wildlife by providing
breeding grounds, foraging areas,
migration stopovers, and winter cover.
To maintain desired habitat diversity,
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
manages the refuge in various ways.
Selective mowing and prescribed
burns keep the vegetation as grasses
and shrubs, which are attractive to
birds and other wildlife. Removal
or control of exotic, invasive plant
species using physical or chemical
methods ensures native species
keep their role in the ecosystem.
Hunting is used as a management
tool and to provide quality wildlifeoriented recreation. Habitat and
wildlife management decisions on the
refuge are supported by scientificbased research that considers the
needs of wildlife and conditions of
the ecosystem. Additionally, this
knowledge enhances ways to provide
wildlife related education and
recreation for the American people.
White-tailed deer
and red fox
Tyler Reber
Habitat
Management
Hours of
Operation:
Occoquan Bay National Wildlife
Refuge is open year-round, from
7AM - 5PM October 1- March 31 and
7AM - 7PM from April 1 - September
30. Staff temporarily closes the
refuge during managed deer hunts
in December. Call the headquarters
office or visit the website for
scheduled closures.
Safety:
Visitors may encounter ticks, bees,
biting insects, and poison ivy while
on the refuge. To minimize contact,
please stay on the trails and avoid
walking through tall grasses.
Summers are hot and humid;
sunscreen and drinking fluids are
recommended. Use insect repellent
and dress appropriately for the
weather.
Mowing encroaching brush at Occoquan Bay
n
isitors must stay on posted trails.
V
Wetlands, fields, and forests are for
wildlife only.
Bill Wallen
USFWS
Great horned owl
and chicks
Regulations:
On a national wildlife refuge, wildlife
comes first! Help staff ensure that
wildlife has a place to grow and
survive for future generations by
respecting refuge rules and obeying
posted signs.
Permitted
Activities:
n
Prohibited
Activities:
n
n
n
n
Randy Streufert
Visitors must stay on posted trails.
Wetlands, fields, and forests are for
wildlife only.
n Vehicles are allowed on posted
roads and parking areas.
n Occupants must stay with their
vehicles while touring the wildlife
drive.
n Bicycles are considered vehicles and
may only access the entry road and
wildlife drive.
Eastern painted turtle
ets in or out of vehicles
P
Picnicking, camping, and fires
Fishing
Jogging, in-line skates, and
skateboards
n Drones, kite flying, or objects
launched into the air
n Audio devices disturbing to wildlife
and people including electronic
lures of any kind
n Disturbing, introducing, or
removing plants and animals, or
their parts
Prohibited
Activities:
n
n
n
n
Permits:
The Service encourages adults and
youth groups to use the refuge for
wildlife-dependent interpretive
and educational programs but they
must obtain a permit from the
headquarters office. Group use of
the refuge is regulated to minimize
conflict with other visitors and avoid
pressure on sensitive habitats. Permit
applications must be mailed to the
Potomac River National Wildlife
Refuge Complex Headquarters Office
at least three weeks in advance. Visit
the following site to obtain permit
applications: http://www.fws.gov/
refuges/visitors/permits.html
Volunteers
The refuge welcomes volunteers to
assist with biological projects and
perform maintenance duties. Some
activities may have age and skill level
requirements. Contact the refuge
headquarters office for information.
Cindy Kreticos
Monarch butterfly on thistle
Fireworks
Feeding wildlife
Entry into closed areas
Vehicles including bikes and ATVs
on foot trails
n Boat, kayak, and canoe landing or
launching
n Alcohol or drug use