BACK BAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
757-721-2412 Fax:757-721-6141 TTY:757-721-0496 www.fws.gov/backbay/
4005 Sandpiper Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Back Bay Refuge contains over 8,000 acres. Habitats include beach, dunes, woodland, farm fields, and marsh. The majority of refuge marshlands are on islands contained within the waters of Back Bay. Approximately 10,000 snow geese and a large variety of ducks visit Back Bay Refuge during the peak of fall migration, usually in December.
The refuge also provides habitat for a wide assortment of other wildlife, including threatened and endangered species such as loggerhead sea turtles, piping plovers, peregrine falcons, and bald eagles. Back Bay provides scenic trails, a visitor contact station, and, with advance scheduling, group educational opportunities. Fishing, hunting, bicycling and hiking are available.
PARKING: 4 designated accessible parking spaces, located adjacent to visitor center. Accessible parking spaces 8 ft. wide. Accessible aisle 2 ft. wide. Nearby ramps well marked. RV parking.
TYPES OF PATHS TO OR AROUND ATTRACTION: Hard-packed stone dust in combination w/boardwalk trails. Paths accessible to persons with mobility disabilities.
ENTRANCE: Located about 30 yards off main parking area. 6 exterior steps, each 8 in. high. Handrails on right. Ramps provided. Doors easily opened. 1 entry door, 36 in. wide, opens out with metal grab handle outside and push bar inside located 40 in. above floor.
PUBLIC REST ROOMS: Located on deck area outside visitor center.
PUBLIC TELEPHONE: Accessible phones located on deck area outside visitor center. Lowered phones.
SPECIAL SERVICES:
For guests with visual disabilities, there are hands-on exhibits and signs in large print, with contrasting background, printed on a non-glossy surface.
STAFF TRAINING: Type of staff trained are field and supervisors.
Personnel have been trained to serve guests using wheelchairs, and guests with mobility disabilities. 2 hour workshop - including video and handouts; annual accessibility review of facilities for identification of accessbility barriers.
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