Back To Nature – Situated along the coastline at the southend of Sandbridge, the Back Bay National
Wildlife Refuge contains about 7,700 acres of beach, dunes, woodland and marsh. An additional 4,600 acres of the
bay’s shallow waters surrounding the refuge’s marshy islands have been designated by Presidential Proclamation for the
protection of migrating birds.
 A visit to the refuge is a “must do” on your vacation!
Visitors to the refuge have a variety of opportunities to observe wildlife in its natural habitat along various trails and dike roads. Among the possible sightings
in the refuge are deer, wild horses, rabbits, raccoons, opossums, minks, foxes, hawks, osprey, owls, herons, swans,
bald eagles, loggerhead turtles and, in the surf… pilot whales and dolphins. Whistling swans, Snow and Canada geese
and several species of ducks frequent the refuge from fall through early spring.
Peak waterfowl populations can number in the tens of thousands, with numbers in the range of 100,000 waterfowl using the refuge in a given year. The mallard,
widgeon, gadwall, and black duck are the most numerous in population. Little Island
is the starting point for excursions to the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge and False
Cape State Park that are otherwise only accessible by boat. Daily tram rides leave the
park for an excursion through the refuge to False Cape where visitors can spend two
hours hiking and sightseeing before the return trip. For more information about this
unspoiled wilderness, contact Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge at (757) 721-2412.
www.baylink.org
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Born Free… In the 16th century, Spanish explorers brought to North
America a group of small, swift, and sturdy horses whose forebears once roamed the sands of Arabia. Descendants of
these Spanish horses have roamed the Outer Banks of Virginia and North Carolina for more than 400 years. This past year,
Jean Siebert commissioned local artist Cindy Graff to decorate life-size horse sculptures, merging art and nature, as a way to
pay tribute to these magnificent creatures that still run free. Our colorful horses are truly works of art that are on display in
front of our office. Be sure to stop by and meet our proud Sandbridge ambassadors…Silver Spirit, Jewel, and Skittles,
who serve to remind us of Sandbridge’s rich heritage.
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Known as the “Outer Banks of Virginia”… peaceful Sandbridge Beach is a coastal community
perfect for a slow-paced, relaxing vacation. It’s five beautiful miles of sandy beach
is for public use and open to everyone.
Little Island Park - This large public beach area at the southend
of Sandbridge (south of the 3600 block) provides a great place to spend your fun-filled vacation days.
Kayak Nature Tours - Let these experience tour guides
"show you the ropes" around Back Bay. Kayak Nature Tours offers guided tours for adults and children
(even beginners). No previous experience necessary with professional instructions provided.
Single and Double Sit-On-Top Kayaks.