About BBRF:  BBRF is concerned about the degradation of habitat and the deteriorating water quality in Back Bay.  Learn about BBRF's monthly Water Testing program.  Become a Member, a Volunteer, and an Environmental Steward.

Above: Pines near Mouth of Muddy Creek

“Fiddle and Hammered Dulcimer Concert”

Benefit Concert for BBRF

Was held OCT 12-13, 2007

Click here for details

Back Bay Forum 2007

Thursday, March 15, 2007
8:30 am to 3:45 pm

Click here for more information. For a look at the agenda, and a list of speakers, click here.

Banrock Station Wines Supports BBRF 

This year Banrock Station will donate a portion of the proceeds from wine sales to the BBRF to assist us in developing education and outreach programs in Virginia Beach that will stress the importance of wetlands and natural buffer zones plus the uniqueness of the Back Bay ecosystem.  Banrock Station supports 12 waterways and wetlands conservation projects throughout the U.S. 

Environmental Education 

See a sneak preview of the "Coastal Wetland Urban Forestry" Video.  Learn about "Bayscaping", a set of principles to decrease runoff from our lawns into Back Bay and other watersheds.

Urban Forestry in a Coastal Wetland Environment.  Learn the value of reforestation.  Step by Step Process: Plant your seeds for the future!   Save the Back Bay Stop Over!

Tram Rides: Back Bay Tram Tours run from April 1st  and continue through October 31st.  Please call 426-3643 for further information.

Winter Tram Tours Schedule

These are wonderful opportunities to observe a variety of migrating waterfowl amidst the beautiful backdrop of Back Bay. Other than these special bi-monthly tram tours, there is no public access to the Refuge’s impoundment areas from November through March. This is in order to minimize disturbance to the wintering birds. A staff member of the BBNWR will ride along with the tram in order to provide additional assistance for the abundant bird-watching opportunities.

Advance reservations required. They will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Call the Refuge at 721-2412. Those holding reservations should meet at the Refuge headquarters parking lot at 12:45 p.m. the day of the trip. The tram will depart promptly at 1 p.m., returning to the parking lot by 3:00 p.m. Participants are advised to dress warmly, as the trams are unheated, open air vehicles. Binoculars, birding field guide books, and sturdy footwear are also recommended. All Winter Tram trips will leave from the Visitor Contact Center at the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The cost is $8 for Adults and $6 for Children under 12 & Seniors over 62.


Sundays, November 5 & 19 from 1-3 p.m. “Give Thanks for Wildlife”

Sundays, December 3 & 17 from 1-3 p.m. “Christmas Birding at Its Best”

Sunday, January 7 & 21 from 1-3 p.m. “Resolve to Enjoy the New Year”

Sunday, February 4 & 18 from 1-3 p.m. “Pair up for Valentine’s Day”

Sunday, March 4 & 18 from 1-3 p.m. “Welcome Spring!”


Winter Closures - In order to protect wintering waterfowl, The Refuge impoundments will close to all public use from November 1 through March 31. During this period, access to False Cape State Park is along the Refuge beachfront, or by special "Terragator" beach vehicle trips for groups, scheduled by contacting False Cape State Park at 426-7128. The Horn Point Canoe/Kayak launch will also close for the season, except by special use permit. Refuge entrance fee collection is suspended for the November through March period. The Refuge's Visitor Contact Station will close on Saturdays starting November 1, but will remain open Sunday through Friday.

New Trams - It was recently announced that Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge successfully competed for grant money from the U.S. Department of Transportation to replace the Refuge's trams. The newer models will be low maintenance, fuel-efficient passenger carriers that will accommodate up to 28 people per vehicle. Two vehicles are planned for purchase, which is scheduled to occur over the winter months. The new trams are expected to be in operation by this spring. 

Find out how to get your

Back Bay Snows, BBRF's signature poster (featuring snow geese over a beautiful Back Bay marsh setting).


Directions to the BBRF Office:

From General Booth Blvd. (going south) turn left on Nimmo Pkwy , the new Red Mill shopping center will be on your right.  Turn right onto Upton Rd at the second light.  Turn left onto Sandbridge Rd.   Stay straight (the road name will change to Lotus).  You will get to a stop sign; turn left back onto Sandbridge Rd.   Take the first right onto New Bridge Rd.   About a quarter mile down the road, there will be a gravel road on the left between two short white brick pillars (BEFORE you get to Cromwell’s Produce Stand).  Turn left onto the gravel road.  It will fork –take the left fork and the Ashville EEC will be on your left.  Park anywhere you can.   The phone number here is 426-3643.   

Last Updated October 27, 2007