Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Assateague Channel with Assateague Lighthouse in the distance
Map showing the location of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Map showing the location of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Map of the United States
Map showing the location of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Map showing the location of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (the United States)
LocationAccomack County, Virginia / Worcester County, Maryland
Nearest cityChincoteague, Virginia
Coordinates37°57′15″N 75°19′00″W / 37.95417°N 75.31667°W / 37.95417; -75.31667
Area14,000 acres (57 km2)[1]
Established1943
Governing bodyU.S. Fish & Wildlife Service[1]
WebsiteChincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is a 14,000-acre (57 km2) wildlife preserve operated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. It is primarily located on the Virginia half of Assateague Island with portions (only about 3%) located on the Maryland side of the island, as well as Morris Island and Wildcat Marsh. Mostly composed of beach, dunes, marsh, and maritime forest, the refuge contains a large variety of wildlife, including the Chincoteague pony.[1] The purpose of the refuge is to maintain, regulate, and preserve animal and plant species as well as their habitats for present and future generations.

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most-visited wildlife refuges in the country, drawing 1.5 million annual visitors via neighboring Chincoteague, with most arriving in the summer for the public beach.[2] The refuge is also popular for the Chincoteague Island Pony Swim, in which the refuge's herd of ponies is rounded up and corralled before swimming the channel to Chincoteague.[3]

  1. ^ a b c Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce. "Natural Attractions", Discover the Spirit of Chincoteague Island Virginia Visitor's Guide 2008, 2008, p. 6 and 8.
  2. ^ Weeks, Jennifier. "In Virginia, Encroaching Seas Pit Parking against Preservation". scientificamerican.com. Scientific American. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
  3. ^ Rutland, Julia. "The Best Things To Do On Chincoteague Island, Virginia". southernliving.com. Southern Living. Retrieved 25 July 2023.