Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Location in Virginia
Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Rappahannock River, Virginia, United States |
| Nearest city | Warsaw, Virginia |
| Area | 9,030 acres (36.5 km2) |
| Established | 1996 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge |
The Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge is a special natural area in Virginia, United States. It was created in 1996. Its main goal is to protect and improve the homes of fish, wildlife, and plants. This helps make sure these living things are safe for people in the future.
At the refuge, birds can raise their babies in their natural homes. These homes include fields, forests, and wet marsh areas. Birds also find food and a safe place to rest when they are migrating. They can stay here during the winter too.
Contents
What the Refuge Does
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service manages the land and water at the refuge. They focus on helping animals and plants that are struggling. Their work helps these species get back to healthy numbers.
Working Together
The refuge staff and volunteers work with local communities. They help make the Rappahannock River and the Chesapeake Bay healthier. They also support local traditions like hunting, fishing, farming, and forestry in Virginia's Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula areas.
Learning from Nature
The refuge is like a big outdoor classroom. Students of all ages can come here to learn about nature. They can see how complex the natural world is. This helps everyone understand and appreciate our natural environment more. Visitors often feel a stronger desire to protect land after their visit.
Where is the Refuge?
The main office for the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge is in Warsaw, Virginia. The refuge itself is not one big piece of land. Instead, it's made up of many separate areas along the Rappahannock River.
Refuge Locations
These different parts of the refuge are located in several counties in Virginia. These include King George, Caroline, Essex, Westmoreland, and Richmond counties. Most of the refuge's land is in Richmond County.
Part of a Bigger System
The Rappahannock River Valley Refuge is managed as part of a larger group. This group is called the Eastern Virginia Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
Other Refuges in the Complex
This complex includes four different refuges:
- Rappahannock River Valley NWR
- Presquile NWR
- James River NWR
- Plum Tree Island NWR
