James River Ecology School

Presquile National Wildlife Refuge

Presquile National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is the ideal location to introduce children to the natural world and galvanize an interest and commitment to the environment that will last a lifetime. Through a unique and innovative public-private partnership, the James River Association has the opportunity to run environmental education programs at this 1,329 acre uninhabited island situated on the James River that is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. At Presquile, children are able to separate themselves, both physically and mentally, from their everyday lives and open their minds to a world of
transformational experiences.

Presquile provides the chance to see some of the James River’s most unspoiled and important habitats. The majority of the island is a tremendous 900-acre, almost untouched hardwood swamp, with a fringe of freshwater tidal marsh and 300 acres of upland fields. It is home to bald eagles, waterfowl, marsh birds, songbirds, rare plants, amphibians, reptiles, small and large mammals and insects. Tidal creeks in the swamp and marsh provide the perfect opportunity for beginner paddlers to view the splendor of these pristine wetland habitats.

Presquile has seen centuries of human connections to nature. It offered hunting and fishing opportunities to Native Americans and then in the early 1600s, it was part of the first settlement north of Jamestown at Bermuda Hundred. William Randolph, ancestor to Thomas Jefferson, moved to “Presque Isle” in 1660 and lived there for many years. Union troops occupied the area during the Battle of Petersburg. In the 1930’s, the Civilian Conservation Corps dug Turkey Island cutoff to shorten the shipping channel thereby making Presquile an island. In 1952, the island was bequeathed to the U.S. Government by Dr. A.D. Williams and became a Refuge in 1953 to protect habitat for wintering waterfowl and other migratory birds. Presquile National Wildlife Refuge is part of the Eastern Virginia Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
Presquile is an important component in the network of refuges on and around the Chesapeake Bay, our nation’s largest estuary.

While Presquile offers the remote experience of traveling to an island, its location just 20 miles southeast of Richmond makes it easily accessible to much of Virginia’s population. Over 200 middle and upper public schools would have the opportunity to incorporate Presquile into their curriculum. Presently, Virginia’s only residential environmental centers are located in Tangier Sound on the Eastern Shore. As a result, Virginia schools must travel great distance to participate in these unique programs. Often times, schools are turned away as the demand for environmental programs
far exceeds capacity for these centers.

1. Fishing & Canoeing

Experience the best of the James River while fishing or canoeing its peaceful waters. Whether angling for perch and catfish or snapping a stunning photograph, the life-long memories created from these happy moments are the real keepers.

2. Wetland Walkway

Unlimited canoeing adventures await in the large expanse of tree-shaded swamp. Both beginning and experienced paddlers can enjoy exploring the island’s two calm and pristine tidal creeks as they wind toward the James River. Like a scene described in Captain John Smith’s journal, diverse plants and wildlife can be discovered at every turn.

3. Eco-Friendly School Buildings

Discover what low-impact, environmentally friendly living is all about at the ranger house (lodge) and bunkhouse. Solar hot water, composting toilets, energy efficient appliances and sustainable materials are just some of the “teachable moments” featured in these comfortable, yet rustic accommodations.

4. Restoration

After more than 400 years as pasture and cultivated field, Presquile’s upland landscape is slowly returning to its roots. Since 2005, habitat restoration efforts in the form of mixed native tree plantings have restored more than 25 acres. As part of volunteer or educational programs, trees will continue to be planted to provide forested buffers, erosion control and wildlife habitat improvement.

5. Eagle’s Nest

Perched high in the branches of an old oak tree is the large, dark shape of a bald eagle’s nest. Returning year after year to the same spot, the eagles raise their young along the shore of the bountiful James. Their presence is proof that the river is on the right path toward improved health.

6. Sturgeon Reef

Like a fabled sea story, the large and mysterious Atlantic sturgeon swims the James. Living most of their adult life in the oceans, sturgeon return upstream to lay their eggs on the rocky river bottom. Silt has destroyed much of the ideal egg-laying areas, causing a significant drop in sturgeon numbers. In the winter of 2010, an artificial spawning reef
was constructed by JRA in hopes of increasing the sturgeon population in the James.