Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you recreate responsibly.

  • Check alerts and local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Consistent with CDC recommendations, all visitors (age 2 and older), who are fully vaccinated are required to wear a mask inside of federal buildings in areas of substantial or high community transmission.. All visitors who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.


What's Happening

Fee Change Public Comment Period

Managed Wetlands (PROMO)

Back Bay NWR seeks to make two changes to entrance fees at the station. We are currently in a public comment period, until August 27th. Please send your comments about the proposed changes to Kathryn_Owens@fws.gov. The first change is to eliminate the $2.00 hiker/biker fee. The second is to increase the Refuge Annual Pass price from $15.00 to $20.00. There is no proposed change to the $5.00 daily Vehicle Entrance Pass price.

Lake Tecumseh Survey Underway

Lake Tecumseh Survey Map

The Navy, in coordination with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ), Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), is performing survey activities in Lake Tecumseh to support design efforts for cleanup of lead contaminated sediment adjacent to a former skeet and trap range, and to complete a site inspection for potential munitions. Work is expected to take up to 3 months to complete and begins in July 2021. For your safety, please keep your distance while work is underway and remain out of the path of the survey boat.

Marsh Terracing Project

Marsh Terrace

The City of Virginia Beach is leading an effort to install marsh terracing in Bonney Cove. Marsh terracing is a type of coastal restoration that helps to reestablish marshland in shallow open waters. The Bonney Cove location is located within Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

City of Virginia Beach Marsh Terrace Project

eBird Trail Tracker

Seasonal Closure (PROMO)

We have added a new feature to our website! Check out the eBird Trail Tracker to see what sightings have been seen recently at the refuge!

eBird Trail Tracker
For Educators

Every Kid Outdoors

EKO Logo Color Web Feature

Did you know that both 4th and 5th grade students are eligible for an Every Kid Outdoors pass? This free pass covers entrance fees for 4th graders and their families to any federal land in the country. To obtain a pass go to the Every Kid Outdoors website (link below), complete an activity, print a voucher and bring it to the refuge. We hope to see you soon!

Every Kid Outdoors Website

About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

NWRS Logo

The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
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