Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers many ranger and volunteer-led programs throughout the year. Please see the Events page of the website or the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Facebook page for event information. In addition to these events, a couple wildlife refuge programs have multiple events throughout the year or season.
Blue Goose Wildlife Tram
The refuge works with neighboring False Cape State Park to provide tram tours throughout the year. Tram tours begin at the wildlife refuge parking lot and start with a ride through the wildlife refuge to reach the state park. After a brief visit at the park's Visitor Center the tram continues deep into the state park, all the way to the site of the historic Wash Woods community. A one-mile, round-trip (optional) hike brings participants to the cemetery and church steeple, all that is left of this community. After returning to the tram, passengers are transported back through the park and wildlife refuge to the starting point. Throughout the trip the tram driver provides information about the history, wildlife and management of both natural areas.
Please visit the Blue Goose Wildlife Tram Tours page for dates, times and registration details.
Winter Waterfowl Walks
Winter is one of the best times of the year for wildlife viewing at Back Bay NWR. The wildlife refuge was created to provide habitat for ducks, geese and swans that migrate to the area in the winter months.
During our Winter Waterfowl Walk series we walk the Raptor Trail, following along the edge of Back Bay and through shrubby marsh vegetation, looking and listening for the season's wildlife. Binoculars are recommended and we do have pairs to share! Call (757)301-7329 ext.3106 to sign up for one or more dates.
2024 - 2025 Winter Waterfowl Walk Dates
• Friday, December 20 at 3:30pm
• Friday, December 27 at 8:30am
• Saturday, December 28 at 8:30am
• Saturday, January 4 at 8:30am
• Saturday, January 11 at 8:30am
• Friday, January 17 at 3:30pm
