The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Photographer at Brownsville Preserve, Virginia Coast Reserve. © Jack Looney

Open to the Public

Yes

Things To Do

Brownsville offers opportunities for hiking, birding and photography. View All

Plan Your Visit

View our preserve guidelines, map, and trail guide brochure. View All

Get Directions

Birds and other wildlife abound at Brownsville Preserve. From the boardwalk and trails traversing this historic farm, you may see deer, fox, raccoons, blue herons, bald eagles, wild turkeys and many other species of birds. The Conservancy manages Brownsville to enhance bird habitat, and the farm serves as headquarters for the Virginia Coast Reserve.

Will you support our vital work on the Eastern Shore?

Location

Eastern Shore, near Nassawadox

Hours

Daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

For visitor safety during the deer hunting season (October through early January) the Preserve closes at 3:00 p.m.

Size

1,250 acres

History of Brownsville

Until the Conservancy purchased Brownsville in 1978, the farm had remained in the Upshur family since 1652. 

At one time, the owner ran a castor-oil mill on the property. From his wharf on Brownsville Creek, he also shipped huge loads of corn to New York and New England via chartered vessels.

According to Whitelaw's Virginia's Eastern Shore, Mr. Upshur added a frame wing onto the family's 1806 three-story brick home because of the many relatives who lived there. He is claimed to have said, "There is no place to put the sole of my foot." Today, the historic Brownsville house is used to accommodate occasional guests and for special events.

What the Conservancy Is Doing

In partnership with the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, the Conservancy placed Brownsville Preserve in the Wildlife Enhancement Program. We have created shallow-water impoundments and planted crops and hedgerows that enhance habitat for birds.

The preserve is also managed for a small population of the endangered Delmarva fox squirrel.

Brownsville also hosts the Virginia Coast Reserve office, and a dock on the property is a launching point for staff members heading out to work on the barrier islands.

Things To Do

The William B. Cummings Birding and Wildlife Trail offers a round-trip hike of three miles through memorable coastal Virginia scenery. Explore wooded uplands, take in expansive marsh views and enjoy the variety of life all around you.

Plan Your Visit

Bring your binoculars, field guides and a camera. Especially in warm weather, don't forget insect and tick repellant!

• Download a trail map
• Download our trail guide

Numbers on the map correspond with markers along the trail. Refer to the trail guide for information on these points of interest.

Preserve Guidelines

Please help us protect this area by observing these guidelines:

• Please leave your pets at home. 
• Please hike only on the designated marked trail and respect the areas marked private or no trespassing
• Foot traffic only beyond parking area.  No cycling.  No horseback riding.  No ATVs
• Preserve closes at 5:00 p.m.  For safety during the deer hunting season, visitor hours at 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (October through early January)
• Camping and fires are not permitted
• Wear sensible shoes, carry drinking water, and don't forget insect repellent.  Beware of poison ivy and check for ticks after hiking
• Respect the safety of all visitors and wildlife and please do not collect anything (take only pictures and leave only footprints)

You may also wish to combine your visit to Brownsville with other Eastern Shore sites on the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail.

Directions

Brownsville is located near Nassawadox, Virginia, approximately 25 miles north of the northern toll booth of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. The Norfolk International Airport is approximately 75 minutes away; Salisbury, Maryland, is approximately 1 ½ hours north of Brownsville; and Washington, D.C., is approximately 4 hours north of Brownsville.

From Northern Virginia/Washington, D.C.:

• Take 495 North around Washington; after you enter Maryland, take Exit 19 for Route 50 East (John Hanson Highway).
• Follow Route 50 East across the Intercoastal Waterway, continuing to Salisbury, Maryland.
• In Salisbury, pick up Route 13 South. Stay on Route 13 South into Virginia.
• From Virginia state line travel approximately 55 miles to the Nassawadox stoplight. (Continue directions from Nassawadox stoplight at bottom of page.)

From Richmond, Norfolk, and all points west:

• Take I-64 East (295 North around Richmond, if you choose) through Norfolk.
• Pick up Route 13 East by taking a right exit off I-64 onto Northampton Blvd, which leads to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (toll will be $12 one way*).
• After crossing the CBBT, continue on US 13 for approximately 25 miles to the Nassawadox stoplight. (Continue directions from Nassawadox stoplight below.)

From Nassawadox Stoplight (All Travelers):

• Turn eastward across the railroad tracks onto Rogers Drive, Rt. 606.
• Go 0.2 mile to Stop sign at Rt. 600 (Seaside Road).
• Turn left (north) onto Seaside Road.
• Go 0.2 miles on Seaside Road to Brownsville Road (Rt. 608).
• Turn right onto Brownsville Road.
• Follow road past preserve entrance sign, and look for sign to parking area.

*Save your CBBT receipt because a return trip within a 24-hour period will only cost $5 with the receipt, but another $12 without the receipt.

Discussion

Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.

Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

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