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 was established in 1996 to protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for future generations. On the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge, birds raise their young in native habitats of field, forest and marsh. They find rest and nourishment during migration and a haven in winter. U.S. Fish & Wildlife staff manage refuge lands and waters with an emphasis on species whose populations have declined, assisting them on the road to recovery.
In partnership with others, staff and volunteers will contribute to the communities where they exist, helping renew the health and vitality of the Rappahannock River and the Chesapeake Bay. They complement the rich traditions of hunting, fishing, forestry and agriculture on Virginia's Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.
The refuge serves as an outdoor classroom, where students of all ages study nature's complexity, contributing to our understanding and appreciation of the natural world and the National Wildlife Refuge System. All those who visit find enjoyment in the presence of healthy and abundant fish, wildlife, and plants, and leave with a renewed personal commitment to land conservation and stewardship.
The current headquarters is located in Warsaw, Virginia. It comprises numerous non-contiguous units along the Rappahannock River in King George, Caroline, Essex, Westmoreland, and Richmond counties. The majority and largest of the units are in Richmond County.
Rappahannock River Valley is managed as part of the Eastern Virginia Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
The complex comprises four refuges:
Rappahannock River Valley NWR
Presquile NWR
James River NWR
Plum Tree Island NWR
