Vandell Preserve at Cumberland Marsh is a mixture of freshwater tidal marsh and wooded upland. This preserve provides pristine habitat for wetlands species, migrating waterfowl, and has the world's largest population of the rare sensitive joint-vetch (Aeschynomene virginica), a member of the pea family listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act.
Situated along the Atlantic Flyway, the marsh provides important migratory and wintering habitat for waterfowl.
Conditions
An ADA-accessible boardwalk and observation deck on the marsh offers views of a wide variety of bird species, including bald eagles. There are no restrooms.
Download a trail map (pdf)
View Preserve Guidelines
Why TNC Selected This Site
Purchased in 1993, the preserve protects a pristine marsh habitat on the Pamunkey River, a major tributary of the Chesapeake Bay.
TNC also monitors the endangered sensitive joint-vetch plant. Part of the preserve consists of working farm, and we are 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.