Nansemond National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nansemond National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Nansemond National Wildlife Refuge
Location in Virginia
Nansemond National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Suffolk, Virginia, United States |
| Area | 411 acres (166 ha) |
| Established | 1973 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Nansemond National Wildlife Refuge |
The Nansemond National Wildlife Refuge is a special protected area in Suffolk, Virginia, in the United States. It's a place where nature is kept safe, especially for wildlife. This refuge is located right along the Nansemond River.
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About the Nansemond National Wildlife Refuge
The Nansemond National Wildlife Refuge is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. This service is part of the U.S. government. Their job is to protect wild animals and their homes. The Nansemond Refuge works closely with the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. It's like a smaller, connected part of that larger refuge.
Why Was This Refuge Created?
This refuge was created to protect important natural areas. In 1973, the United States Navy gave about 207 acres (0.84 square kilometers) of land to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This land was a type of wetland called a salt marsh. Salt marshes are very important for many kinds of plants and animals. Later, in 1999, another 204 acres (0.83 square kilometers) were added to the refuge. This made the refuge even larger and more protected.
What is a Salt Marsh?
A salt marsh is a coastal wetland area. It is often flooded by salty ocean water. These areas are very important for the environment. They act like natural filters, cleaning the water. They also provide a safe home for many different animals. Many types of fish, crabs, and birds depend on salt marshes to live and raise their young.
Can You Visit the Refuge?
The Nansemond National Wildlife Refuge is not open to the public. This means that people cannot visit it like a park. This is often done to keep the area as undisturbed as possible. It helps protect the sensitive wildlife and their habitats. The refuge is a quiet sanctuary just for the animals and plants that live there.
