Parramore Island Natural Area Preserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Parramore Island Natural Area Preserve |
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 Parramore Island Natural Area Preserve
Location in Virginia
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| Location | Accomack County, Virginia |
| Area | 7,000 acres (28 km2) |
| Owner | The Nature Conservancy |
Parramore Island Natural Area Preserve is a huge natural area in Accomack County, Virginia. It covers about 7,000 acres (that's over 28 square kilometers!). This special place is one of the many barrier islands along the Atlantic Ocean. It's the biggest Natural Area Preserve in Virginia.
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Discover Parramore Island Natural Area Preserve
Parramore Island is over 7.5 miles (about 12 kilometers) long. It has many different natural areas. You can find sandy beaches and tall dunes. There are also scrubs and wet marshes. These different areas create homes for many plants and animals.
What Makes Parramore Island Special?
Barrier islands like Parramore Island are very important. They protect the mainland from ocean storms. They also provide unique habitats for wildlife. The island's beaches are nesting spots for sea turtles. Many different kinds of birds also use the island. Some birds live there all year. Others stop to rest during their long migrations.
Diverse Habitats
- Beaches and Dunes: These sandy areas are home to plants that can handle salt and wind. They also provide nesting sites for birds and turtles.
- Marshes: These wet, grassy areas are important nurseries. Young fish, crabs, and other sea creatures grow up here. Many birds also find food in the marshes.
- Scrublands: These areas have tough bushes and small trees. They offer shelter and food for animals.
Protecting This Special Place
Parramore Island is part of the Virginia Natural Area Preserve System. This system helps protect Virginia's most important natural lands. The island is owned by an organization called The Nature Conservancy. They work to protect nature all over the world. Parramore Island is part of their Virginia Coast Reserve. This reserve includes 13 other barrier islands that no one lives on.
Why Protection Matters
Protecting places like Parramore Island is very important. It helps keep the natural environment healthy. It also makes sure that plants and animals have safe places to live. Without these protected areas, many species could lose their homes.
Visiting Parramore Island
Parramore Island Natural Area Preserve is not usually open to the public for general visits. This helps keep the island wild and undisturbed. However, if you are a researcher or want to learn more for educational reasons, you might be able to visit. You would need to get special permission from The Nature Conservancy first. This way, scientists can study the island without harming its delicate ecosystems.
