Dameron Marsh Natural Area Preserve
The 316-acre Dameron Marsh Natural Area Preserve is one in a series of protected state lands that line the shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. This preserve contains one of the most significant wetlands on the Chesapeake Bay for marsh-bird communities, and its pristine sandy shorelines are highly important for the federally threatened northeastern beach tiger beetle (Cicindela dorsalis dorsalis). DCR's efforts to conserve sites like Dameron Marsh are an effective means to sustain these important coastal ecosystems and protect habitats for both rare and common species. Dameron Marsh supports impressive salt marsh communities, sandy shoreline strands, and maritime shrub and forest habitats.
Most upland portions of the property were used for agricultural purposes for over three centuries. However, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and the Army Corps of Engineers, has restored the former fields to forested habitats that now support a great diversity of wildlife and contribute to water quality improvement in the Chesapeake Bay.
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Dameron Marsh Natural Area Preserve is open to the public from dawn to dusk. Part or all of the preserve may be periodically closed for resource management or protection activities. Please call before visiting.
(Note: Many places fill to capacity on busy, nice weather days, especially holiday weekends. Please call ahead or visit the official website to get the most up-to-date information before visiting.)
Fees
Free
Activities
- Walking
- Birding and Wildlife Viewing
- Kayaking and Canoing
- Photography
History
Most upland portions of the property were used for agricultural purposes for over three centuries. However, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and the Army Corps of Engineers, has restored the former fields to forested habitats that now support a great diversity of wildlife and contribute to water quality improvement in the Chesapeake Bay.
