Located on the southern end of Assateague Island in Virginia, the refuge was established in 1943 for the protection of migratory waterfowl habitat with emphasis on conserving the greater snow goose.
The refuges’ more than 14,000 acres of beach, maritime forest, saltmarsh, and freshwater marsh habitats are home to a spectacular variety of migratory birds, plants, and other animals.
The refuge is also one of the most visited refuges in the country and provides outstanding opportunities to connect you with nature.
Credit: Photos courtesy of John White and USFWS
Images from Chincoteague NWR.
WHAT'S GOING ON AT THE REFUGE?
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge to Receive $1.5 Million from Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program(READ MORE)
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Learn about the four alternatives in the proposed CCP:
Learn more about the proposed Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan in our Open Spaces Blog.
Attention Visitors
Important Construction Traffic Alert
Visitors should be aware that construction is underway on the new elevated bicycle and pedestrian travel way that will provide safer access between the Town of Chincoteague and Assateague Island.
The construction zone is located on Beach Road between the new Chincoteague Island Museum and the beginning of the National Park Service Bicycle trail. Please slow down and use caution when hiking, biking, or driving through this construction zone.
We expect limited disruption in traffic patterns, however, all should use caution as west bound bicycle traffic will be utilizing the roadway. Please be alert for stopped traffic and lane changes. Always follow directions given by persons directing traffic.
The project is expected to be completed by early spring.
____________________________________________
The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is:
To administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
