Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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Waterway in the refuge
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 Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge
Location in Virginia
Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Prince William County, Virginia, United States |
| Nearest city | Dale City, Virginia |
| Area | 325 acres (1.32 km2) |
| Established | 1970 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge |
The Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge is a special place in Virginia. It is located right where the Potomac River meets Neabsco Creek. This refuge is a protected area for wildlife. It covers about 325 acres (1.3 square kilometers) of land. This land includes tidal marshes, wetlands, and woodlands. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service has managed this refuge since 1970. It helps protect many different plants and animals.
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About Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge
What is a National Wildlife Refuge?
A National Wildlife Refuge is a special area set aside by the government. Its main goal is to protect wild animals and their homes. These refuges are managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. They help make sure that different species of birds, fish, and other wildlife have safe places to live. Featherstone is one of these important refuges.
Where is Featherstone Refuge Located?
Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge is in Prince William County, Virginia. It sits along the Potomac River. This is a large and important river in the eastern United States. The refuge is also near Dale City, Virginia. It is a beautiful natural area in a busy part of the state.
What Kind of Nature Can You Find There?
The refuge has different types of natural areas. It includes wetlands, which are lands covered by water. It also has woodlands, which are areas with many trees. A big part of the refuge is a tidal marsh. This is a wetland area that is regularly flooded by the tides. These different habitats provide homes for many animals.
Why is Featherstone Refuge Important?
Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge is important for many reasons. It protects the natural habitats of local wildlife. It helps keep the environment healthy. The refuge is part of the Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge Complex. This means it works with other refuges along the Potomac River. Together, they create a network of protected areas. This network helps protect wildlife across a larger region.
Visiting the Refuge
Currently, the Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge is closed to the public. This means people cannot visit it directly. However, there have been ideas to include it as part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. This trail is a long pathway for hiking and biking. If the refuge becomes part of the trail, it might offer ways for people to enjoy its beauty in the future.
