Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area |
|
|---|---|
|
IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
|
|
 Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area
Location in Virginia
|
|
| Location | Isle of Wight County, Virginia |
| Area | 1,537 acres (6.22 km2) |
| Governing body | Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries |
Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area, also known as Ragged Island Wildlife Refuge, is a special natural area in Isle of Wight County, Virginia. It covers about 1,537-acre (6.22 km2) of land. This area is mostly unspoiled marshland and small islands with trees. It sits right next to the James River. Even though it's close to busy cities, it feels like a wild escape.
Contents
Discover Ragged Island Wildlife Area
Ragged Island is a Wildlife Management Area (WMA). A WMA is a place set aside to protect nature and allow people to enjoy the outdoors. This area is very important for many types of plants and animals. It helps keep the environment healthy.
What Makes This Place Special?
This area is known for its unique brackish marsh. Brackish water is a mix of fresh water and salty ocean water. This creates a special home for many plants and animals. Small pine islands are scattered throughout the marsh. These islands add to the beauty and variety of the landscape.
The area is filled with different kinds of plants. You might see marsh mallow and smartweed. There is also saltmarsh cordgrass and black needlerush. The most common tree here is the loblolly pine. Some parts have thick areas of wax myrtle and greenbriar. These plants provide shelter and food for wildlife.
Wildlife You Might See
Ragged Island WMA is especially famous for its many kinds of waterfowl. Waterfowl are birds that live near water, like ducks and geese. These birds use the marsh for feeding, resting, and raising their young. It's a great spot for birdwatching! You might also see other animals that live in marshy areas.
Visiting Ragged Island
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries takes care of Ragged Island WMA. They work to keep the area healthy for wildlife and visitors. The area is open for people to enjoy. You can go hunting, trapping, fishing, and hiking here.
There is a boardwalk that lets you walk out into the marsh. This is a great way to see the plants and animals up close without disturbing them. It offers amazing views of the marsh and its wildlife.
How to Get There
You can get to Ragged Island WMA from two parking areas. These are located on U.S. Highway 17. They are just south of the James River Bridge. If you are 17 years old or older, you need a special permit to enter. This can be a valid hunting or fishing permit, or a WMA access permit. These permits help manage the area and support its care.
