The mostly undeveloped sandy barrier islands on the Eastern Shore of Virginia (VA) and Maryland (MD) became a WHSRN site in 1990. The region is characterized by remote barrier islands, vast expanses of salt marsh and shallow coastal bays and is widely known for its ecological and economic importance, prominence as a living laboratory for cutting edge coastal research, rich cultural history and nature-based recreational opportunities. Most of the barrier islands are undeveloped and in their natural state, making it an unmatched coastal wilderness that is critical for supporting and ensuring the resiliency of some of our most imperiled shorebird species along the Atlantic Flyway.
The northern part of the MD-VA Barrier Islands WHSRN site starts at Assateague Island National Seashore a very narrow portion of the island where the island does not receive sand replenishment or dune construction. Tami Pearl, the biologist who manages shorebird conservation at the National Seashore, explains that leaving the island altered allows for natural island migration, providing different habitats for different species as the island changes with storms and erosion.
Also on Assateague Island is the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge where the 1.4 million visitors who come to see the famous ponies, are also able to learn about shorebirds and WHRSN. Near to Chincoteague is NASA’s Wallops Island Training Facility. As a major employer in this rural area, having NASA lands in the WHSRN site brings shorebirds into the lives of many residents.
Left: A mixed Spring roost at the WHSRN site. Photo: Alex Wilke. Right: Site partners on celebratory field visit. Photo: Laura Chamberlin.
Looking south from Chincoteague is the remainder of the WHSRN site which includes lands owned by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VDWR), on the undeveloped barrier islands of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. “This area provides unprecedented refuge for shorebirds along the Atlantic Flyway and have the potential to serve as natural, unmanipulated control sites for studies measuring the effects of climate change on shorebirds and a variety of other waterbirds,” said Ruth Boettcher, VDWR. In addition, to looking for opportunities to address the impacts of sea-level rise, partners in this area are also addressing impacts from human disturbance and predators.
Land protection to maintain the pristine status of these islands is one of the key reasons the site has remained so important for shorebirds over the last 30 years. Another key to success at this site is strong partnerships. In a recent visit to the site and in conversations with partners, I was able to see firsthand the dedication and collaboration that has led to successful conservation. Learn more about the site, their work, and how they are looking towards the future with this video.
For more information, contact Alex Wilke, Volgenau Virginia Coast Reserve, TNC.
Laura Chamberlin, Assistant Director, WHSRN Executive Office, lives on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, not far from the WHSRN site. All travel was conducted in personal vehicles, following social distancing requirements.
Cover Photo: Aerial view of Virginia barrier islands. Photo: Zak Poulton, TNC.
