Facility Activities

Welcome to Menekak Discovery Center Sign
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Once on the island, three miles of trails and boardwalks offer access to excellent wildlife viewing. The Menenak Discovery Center houses interpretive displays and conservation materials intended to inspire visitors. Canoe/kayak water trails and launch site facilitate on-island experiences for students of the James River Ecology School. Rich cultural history is represented with ties to early expeditions of John Smith, former farm structures, and an 18th century cemetery.

Hunting

Hunts will occur on approximately 1,229 acres of the 1,329-acre island refuge, with access provided on the 3.5-mile trail network and stationary docking locations. The refuge would permit hunting of white-tailed deer, coyote and turkey hunting during State designated dates and seasons. White-...

Wildlife watching

Excellent wildlife viewing, particularly for eagles, osprey, and great blue herons, is available from all points of the water surrounding the refuge. Once on the island, the three-miles of trails and boardwalks further your observation opportunities to more terrestrial species- mammals, reptiles...

Photography

The refuge’s forested riparian habitat along the James River and interior creeks are used by bald eagles and osprey for nesting and perching. The tall trees extend prominently at the water’s edge and allow for excellent photographic opportunity. The birds are easily flushed, therefore zoom...

Education programs

The refuge has the great pleasure of serving as partner and host to the James River Ecology School. The School is administered through the James River Association, a 501(c)(3) watershed organization. This immersive environmental education program focuses on connecting students with the science...

Ranger-led programs

The refuge occasionally offers opportunities for the public to visit the island with US Fish and Wildlife Service staff as your guide. Pontoon boat tours, if scheduled, require pre-registration.  The trips interpret the rich history of the Refuge and highlight the unique environment used by...

Fishing

The refuge is located on the Lower James River, which is tidally influenced with an amplitude of three feet and slightly brackish. Presquile NWR has a great amount of tidal swamp forest, bisected by two large tidal creeks, Deep Creek and Little Creek, and numerous coves that provide for...