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Cumberland Marsh Preserve

Cumberland Marsh Preserve
Cumberland Marsh Preserve
© Harold E. Malde
 
Great Egret
Great Egret
© John M. Hall/TNC

Why You Should Visit
This preserve, a mixture of freshwater tidal marsh and wooded upland, provides pristine habitat for wetlands species, migrating waterfowl, and has world's largest population of the rare plant sensitive joint vetch. There is an observation deck on the marsh and woodland trails from which to view a wide variety of bird species, including bald eagles.

Location
Southern bank of the Pamunkey River in New Kent County.

Hours
Open Saturdays and Sundays from dawn to dusk.
Woodland trails closed November through January.

Size
1,094 acres

Conditions
Handicapped-accessible boardwalk and observation deck on the marsh. A separate trail leads along the river through the woods. The canoeing conditions are easy and the trails are considered easy to moderate. There are no restrooms.

How to Prepare for Your Visit
For information, contact the Virginia State Office: (434) 295-6106. Please see "Preserve Visitation Guidelines"

Directions
From Richmond:

  • Take 1-64 east to Route 155 at New Kent/ Providence Forge (exit #214).
  • Go north on Route 155 to the intersection with Route 249, then turn right on 249.
  • Pass through town of New Kent (look for post office on right), and continue through a short stretch of woods.
  • Take first left after the post office onto Route 637 (follow the small sign for Cumberland Hospital for Children).
  • A few hundred yards before the hospital, look to the left for a preserve sign.
  • Turn left at sign; follow the gravel road to parking area at edge of field.

What to See: Birds
Bald eagles, ospreys, great blue herons, and egrets; wintering populations of black ducks, wood ducks, mallards, and Canada geese.

What to See: Plants
World's largest population of the rare plant sensitive joint vetch occurs here.

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
Purchased in 1993, Cumberland Marsh is an important site in the Chesapeake Rivers landscape program area. The preserve protects a pristine marsh habitat on the Pamunkey River, a major tributary of the Chesapeake Bay.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
The Conservancy monitors the endangered sensitive joint-vetch plant. Part of the preserve consists of working farm, and the Conservancy is working with a local farmer to use best-management practices on the land. The adjacent Cumberland Hospital for Children also uses the preserve for outdoor rehabilitation programs.