Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge

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Accotink Bay Wildlife Area
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge sign.JPG
Entrance to Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge
Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge
Location Fairfax County, Virginia, United States
Nearest city Springfield, Virginia
Coordinates 38°41′40″N77°09′15″W / 38.69444°N 77.15417°W / 38.69444; -77.15417
Area1,200 acres (4.9 km2)
Established1979
Governing body United States Army

Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge is a nature preserve on the grounds of Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States. Several other parks, including Mason Neck State Park, Pohick Bay Regional Park, and the Jackson Miles Abbott Wetland Refuge are located nearby.

The refuge was established in 1979 to protect sensitive wetlands and wildlife habitats associated with Accotink Bay and to provide opportunities for environmental education and low-intensity recreation. The refuge offers more than eight miles of hiking trails, including a short paved trail for handicapped access.

Species native to the preserve include:

The Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge Environmental Education Center is located at the entrance to the refuge. The center features exhibits, videos and trail guides about the refuge and offers nature education programs. [1]

A small parking area with space for six cars (two reserved for handicapped) is located just outside the Tulley Gate entrance off Route 1.

References

  1. "Recreation". dcmilitary.com. January 7, 2013. Retrieved January 7, 2017.