Except for certain specific situations, bicycles, camping, fires, unleashed pets, hunting, off-road vehicles and removal or destruction of plants, animals, minerals or historic artifacts are prohibited on all Virginia Natural Area Preserves. Learn more.
SITE DESCRIPTION:
Located on the Bay side of Virginia's Eastern Shore, Mark's and Jack's Islands supports Chesapeake Bay beach habitat, low marsh, high marsh and shrub and forest vegetation. The wetland communities provide habitat for a variety of plant and animal species, including migrating waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds. The extensive saltmarsh is by far the most notable feature within this area. A maritime shrub community supporting species such as marsh-elder (Iva frutescens) and black cherry (Prunus serotina var. serotina) is found on old dune ridges in the marsh. Narrow bands of forest dominated by loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) and black cherry (Prunus serotina var. serotina) occur along the tops of old dunes. The salt marsh provides ideal habitat for marsh nesting birds. The small sandy beaches here support the federally-listed Northeastern beach tiger beetle (Habroscelimorpha dorsalis dorsalis).
VISITATION:
Mark's and Jack's Islands are open to the public for low-impact, recreational day use. Camping, campfires, vehicles and pets are prohibited.
For additional information, including information about Research Permit Applications to conduct research at the preserve, please contact the Virginia Coast Reserve office at 757-442-3049 or visit the VCR website. Research is also conducted on various other state Natural Area Preserves, state research permit applications are available online.
CONTACT:
Shannon Alexander, Coastal Region Steward
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Division of Natural Heritage
Belle Haven, VA
(757) 710-3428.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
