U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service The National Park Service, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Chincoteague is one of more than 540 Assateague Island National Seashore 8231 Beach Road refuges and approximately 95 million assists Chincoteague Refuge with P.O. Box 62 acres in the National Wildlife environmental education and Chincoteague Island, VA 23336-0062 Chincoteague Refuge System administered by the recreational activities on a portion 757/336 6122 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. of the beach. The Toms Cove Visitor 757/336 5273 FAX The National Wildlife Refuge System Center is located near the beach E-mail: [email protected] National Wildlife is a network of lands and waters parking lots and offers a variety of www.fws.gov/northeast/chinco managed specifically for the programs and exhibits. For more Refuge protection of wildlife and wildlife information, please call the Toms Federal Relay Service habitat and represents the most Cove Visitor Center at 757/336 6577. for the deaf and hard-of-hearing comprehensive wildlife resource 1 800/877 8339 management program in the world. In 1965, Congress established Units of the system stretch across the the Assateague Island National U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service United States from northern Alaska Seashore, encompassing 1 800/344 WILD to the Florida Keys and include small Chincoteague Refuge as well as http://www.fws.gov islands in the Caribbean and South the northern portion of Assateague Pacific. The character of the refuges is Island. The legislation stated August 2007 as diverse as the nation itself. that the primary management of Chincoteague Refuge was for wildlife The Service also manages National and the secondary use was for public Fish Hatcheries, and provides Federal recreation, including interpretation leadership in habitat protection, fish and education. and wildlife research, technical assistance and the conservation and Equal opportunity to participate in, protection of migratory birds, certain and benefit from, the programs and marine mammals and threatened and activities of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife endangered species. Service is available to all individuals, regardless of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, or disability. Contact: U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, 1849 C Street N.W., Washington, DC 20240. Introduction Most of the refuge is located on the Chincoteague National Virginia end of Assateague Island; however, 418 acres are on the Maryland side of the island, 427 Wildlife Refuge acres are found on Morris Island, and 546 acres comprise Wildcat includes more than Marsh on the northern tip of Chincoteague Island. Additionally, 14,000 acres of beach, Chincoteague Refuge’s boundaries extend south and encompass all or part of the following barrier islands: dunes, marsh, and Assawoman, Metompkin, and Cedar. The refuge’s location along the maritime forest. Atlantic Flyway makes it a vital resting and feeding spot for a large Within a workday’s number and diversity of birds. Chincoteague Refuge, originally access to millions of established in 1943 to provide habitat for migratory birds (with an people, Chincoteague emphasis on conserving greater snow geese), today provides habitat for waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, Refuge is one of the and song birds, as well as other species of wildlife and plants. Refuge most visited refuges The refuge staff manage this barrier island provides habitat to allow many species of in the United States, opportunities wildlife to co-exist, each establishing for wildlife their own place in the environment. photography. Refuge management programs providing visitors Photo: Alexis restore threatened and endangered Colopy species and conserve local wildlife with outstanding and plants. The refuge also provides wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities to learn opportunities such as fishing, hunting, wildlife photography and observation, interpretation, and about and enjoy environmental education. wildlands and wildlife.

Cover photo: Michael Colopy Photo: Michael Colopy Island History Remnants of Assateague Island’s history can still be found on the refuge. For example, the famous “Chincoteague Ponies” are a present-day reminder of Assateague Island’s past. Although no one is certain when or how the ponies first arrived on the island, a popular legend tells of ponies that escaped a shipwrecked Spanish galleon and swam ashore. However, most historians believe that settlers used the island for grazing livestock (including ponies and other farm animals) in the 17th Century to avoid fencing regulations and taxation. Regardless of their origin, the descendants of these ponies are still living here today. During the The endangered Habitat and Wildlife A mare and her 1800s and early 1900s, a community seabeach amaranth Chincoteague Refuge provides food foal graze near of people also lived on Assateague is well adapted to and shelter for a wide variety of the shoreline. Island. In addition to homes, the survive the harsh wildlife and plants. In fact, more than Photo: Irene community included a school and seashore conditions. 320 species of birds are known to Hinke-Sacilotto a dry goods store. USFWS photo occur on the refuge. The refuge also supports breeding populations of the endangered Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel and the threatened piping plover. Bald eagles and peregrine falcons also nest and migrate through the refuge.

Although the beach is a major attraction for visitors in the summer, this habitat, characterized by harsh temperatures, lack of vegetation, and changing tides, can be hard on wildlife and plants year-round. Where the sandy shoreline blends into the dunes, beach grasses grow and secure the sand. Despite these conditions, this is where you will discover the endangered seabeach amaranth growing. Another type of habitat found on the refuge is wetlands, which consist of both salt and fresh water areas. The refuge staff manages both freshwater and brackish wetlands as moist-soil management units or “pools.” These managed areas are important to all wildlife such as birds, Ruddy duck waterfowl, and amphibians. Irene Hinke-Sacilotto The saltwater estuaries which lie to the west of the barrier islands are some of the most productive habitat found anywhere. A variety of mollusks and crustaceans live and feed in the refuge’s salt marshes. This habitat is vital to black ducks and many other migratory birds for nesting and feeding.

Maritime forests are located on higher ground. This habitat is primarily loblolly pine, whose pine Maritime forest cones are the primary food source Irene Hinke-Sacilotto for the endangered Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel. A variety of oaks are also scattered throughout this habitat. Several species of snakes (non-poisonous), as well as rabbit, raccoon, fox, white-tailed deer, and sika (an oriental elk) live in these woodlands. Birds of prey, known as raptors, also nest in the maritime forest and soar above the tree line in search of food.

Wildlife both great and small search for food.

Photo, Swamp rose: Irene Hinke-Sacilotto

Photo, falcon: Michael Colopy Management U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service refuge managers and biologists manage habitats on national wildlife refuges to conserve, restore, and protect fish, wildlife, and plants. Habitat management ensures The majestic Americans that their natural egret and the resource heritage will be conserved endangered for future generations to enjoy. Delmarva Peninsula fox Perhaps the most noticeable squirrel depend management technique on the refuge on Chincoteague is the careful manipulation of water Refuge. levels in the moist-soil management units or “pools.” Chincoteague Refuge has 14 such pools that total The dunlin feeds Refuge staff are also heavily involved over 2,600 acres. Water control along the refuge’s with managing and protecting the structures in these areas allow barrier islands. threatened piping plover, a beach biologists to lower water levels in Photo: Irene nesting shorebird that uses all of the the spring to create a mudflat-type Hinke-Sacilotto refuge’s barrier islands. Biologists environment to attract shorebirds. place protective closures around Biologists also reduce water levels nests, control predation, and in the pools to concentrate fish for intensively monitor these birds from wading birds to feed upon, provide March through August. ideal feeding conditions for shorebirds, grow plants as a food Protecting sensitive habitats by source for waterfowl, and reduce closing areas, also helps to protect Photo: Irene the number of plants that are low threatened and endangered species Hinke-Sacilotto in nutrition for wildlife. such as the piping plover and Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel. In the fall, water control structures Setting aside certain habitat areas to are closed to catch rainwater. The reduce disturbance by people helps higher water levels provide habitat preserve the natural heritage that for waterfowl and other migratory many Americans have come to love birds. This careful manipulation of and treasure. water levels is vital in attracting a wide variety of birds and other wildlife to the refuge.

Photo: Michael Colopy

Ponies Photo: Steve Hillebrand/USFWS Wildlife Calendar September and From mid-September to mid-October January and These months are typically cold October a number of hawks and falcons February and blustery. The refuge’s moist-soil migrate through Assateague Island. management units usually host The first migratory waterfowl arrive a wide variety of wintering in September; however, the peak waterfowl, including large numbers waterfowl migration usually occurs of snow geese. in November and December.

March The migratory waterfowl begin to National Wildlife Refuge Week depart for their northern breeding is celebrated Columbus Day grounds. On March 15, the southern weekend. end of the island, known as the “Hook,” is closed to all public November and These are splendid months to observe use to protect habitat for the December a variety of waterfowl, including snow threatened piping plover and other geese. Chincoteague Refuge boasts beach nesting birds. tens of thousands of snow geese who over-winter or use the area for April and May A diversity of migratory shorebirds feeding and resting as they migrate and songbirds arrive on the refuge. further south. Additionally, visitors Visitors are encouraged to celebrate can tour the northern portion of the Earth Day with refuge staff in refuge during Thanksgiving as part of mid-April and the refuge hosts an the annual Waterfowl Week annual International Migratory Celebration. Bird Celebration during Mother’s Day Weekend. Each and every season at Chincoteague National Wildlife June This marks the beginning of the high Refuge has its own unique beauty and tourist season as people migrate to wildlife. Come and enjoy them all! the seashore for family vacations. Ticks and tick-borne diseases require visitors to check for unwanted “hitchhikers” after exploring the refuge’s many hiking and biking trails. The first week of June is National Fishing Week.

July Many visitors flock to the refuge on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July for the annual pony penning activities. Many species of wading birds, gulls, terns, and songbirds can be found throughout the refuge.

August Mole crabs, ghost crabs and coquina clams frequent the seashore and herons and egrets line the ditches along Beach Road. Southward Beautiful Swan Cove provides visitors with shorebird migration begins. unprecedented opportunities to view wildlife. USFWS photo. Visitor Activities Educational School groups can arrange to visit Chincoteague Refuge is one of the Programs the refuge and learn about wildlife, most visited refuges in the nation, plants, and their habitats. Teacher receiving approximately 1.5 million workshops are also offered during visits each year. A variety of the year. wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities are available on the Birds linger in refuge. Opportunities include: the sunset at the refuge’s Herbert H. Bateman A host of exhibits, displays, Snow Goose Pool. Educational and brochures, and wildlife-oriented USFWS photo: Administrative programs and films are available Robert Wilson Center to visitors. Refuge staff and volunteers are available to answer questions and help plan activities.

Trails A variety of paved trails are open to hikers and/or bicyclists. These trails include the Freshwater Marsh, Woodland, Black Duck, Swan Cove, and Lighthouse Trails as well as the Wildlife Loop. The Wildlife Loop is also open to vehicles after 3:00 pm. The Lighthouse Trail offers visitors an up-close view of the historic Assateague Lighthouse. Regulations The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Fishing and Surf fishing is a popular refuge encourages you to enjoy your visit, Crabbing activity: after-hours permits are but remember, protecting wildlife, available for those who wish to surf plants, and their habitats is the fish at night. Fishing and crabbing priority. Regulations exist for the are also permitted in Swan Cove and welfare of wildlife, as well as for other designated areas. Shellfishing your safety. Please read and comply is permitted in Toms Cove. with the following list of regulations. Please note that the list is not all Boating Boats are permitted to land on inclusive; therefore, remember designated areas on Toms Cove Hook that if an activity is not listed in a from September 1 through March 14. brochure or on a sign as being allowed, then it is not. Hunting Big game, waterfowl, and rail hunting are available by permit during Please remember to: designated periods and only in certain areas. I obey posted speed limits, wildlife is often seen near roads; Off-Road Off-road vehicling is permitted on a Vehicle Use small section of the beach, which is protect habitat by parking only subject to unexpected closures due I in designated areas, not on road to overwash or nesting species. shoulders; Permits are required and are available at refuge headquarters, Toms Cove Visitor Center or by mail. MA RYL keep the wild in wildlife (feeding VI AND I RGIN Pope wildlife, including ponies, is illegal Chincoteague IA Islands y Ba d and dangerous, as well as unhealthy Toby n la Islands Is y for the wildlife); b Pitts National Wildlife o T Island protect the delicate ecosystem. I Refuge Great Neck Coards Marsh Moss The following items and /or activities Greenback Point Wallops Bay Calfpen are prohibited: Bay Flight Facility Wills Old (NASA) Hole Fields I firearms and other weapons (unless Wildcat Ragged Point Cherrytree Point USFWS photo participating in the refuge hunt); Wildcat Marsh Hill NASA Chincoteague Bay Smith Bay Visitor Center Tumps N I pets (even in vehicles); Assateague Bay I collecting, removing, or damaging plants or animals; Thurf Marsh 679 Islands North Wash Flats I climbing onto or digging into fragile et Stre ain sand dunes; 175 M NASA Oyster Scale M Bay So et a uth I boats and flotation devices (in the re d St d Wa in o sh a Town x 0 .5 1 Mile M Morris Fla refuge’s moist-soil management units); 175 B ts of o u Island l Chincoteague e v a r I camping; d Little Oyster 020004000 Feet Bay Atlantic Ocean I open fires; Memorial Piney Park e Island u g l a e te n d Gadwall Pool a n on I in-line-skating, skate-boarding, s a P s h Janeys A C Creek w Legend Horse So roller-skating, scooters; Marsh d Farm Fields Pool Marsh a o R Black Duck Lighthouse Trail e Service Road ic Pintail Pool rv I consuming alcoholic beverages; Marsh e Wildlife Loop S Wallops Black Duck Parking Area Mallard Pool Hiking Trails d

Pool a Island M o FWS I mopeds on all refuge trails. Pony a Shoveler ViewR Visitor rs ail l (NASA) Assateague Center h Tr i Hiking/Biking Trails Woodland W a h Pool r c i Snow Goose T Point Trail ld e a Black Duck li Pool v e f o Trail e L C Closed Areas - Stay On B oop n a Trails Swan Cove w S Southern Islands Pool Off-Road Vehicle Zone Fishing Point Seasonally closes on Little Toms March 15 reopens Late Fall Toms Cove Cove Assateague Observation Platform Toms NPS Island Cove Visitor Center Assawoman Emergency Call Box Hook Old Coast Island Guard The ORV zone includes nesting habitat Station Fish Factory Beach Access Metompkin (NPS) Ruins and Parking Island for the Piping Plover, a threatened bird species. To aid in the recovery Cedar Chincoteague of this species, the ORV zone will be Off-road Vehicle Zone Island Refuge includes subject to partial closure to all ORV, all or parts boat and pedestrian use during the nesting season of these islands