Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve

Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Mud flat and forest at Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve
Location within Virginia
Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve (the United States)
LocationMathews County, Virginia
Coordinates37°24′33″N 76°15′8″W / 37.40917°N 76.25222°W / 37.40917; -76.25222[1]
Area105 acres (42 ha)
Governing bodyVirginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve is a 105-acre (42 ha) Natural Area Preserve located in Mathews County, Virginia, near the Chesapeake Bay. It contains beach, low dune, and salt marsh habitats, and provides a haven for rare marsh and colonial nesting birds, The preserve also protects habitat for two globally rare species, the northeastern beach tiger beetle and sea-beach knotweed.[2]

The preserve is owned and maintained by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, and is open to the public; however the preserve is largely undeveloped with the exception of a gravel parking area for visitors.[2]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Bethel Beach". ProtectedPlanet. United Nations Environment Programme's World Conservation Monitoring Centre. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
  2. ^ a b "Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve". Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved December 13, 2016.