Description
This 316-acre preserve contains one of the most significant wetlands on the Chesapeake Bay for marsh-bird communities, and its pristine beach habitat is highly important for the federally threatened northeastern beach tiger beetle (Cicindela dorsalis dorsalis). At the park’s center, a large fallow field with scattered shrubs is a hotspot for foraging fall migrant songbirds and for raptors, including Merlin. The shrubs offer migrants a crucial re-fueling location as they pick the winged sumac and other bushes clean of fat-laden berries. Also look for a large diversity of fall migrating warblers seeking food and cover in the adjacent hedgerows.
Public access facilities include a trail and boardwalk, a wildlife viewing platform, and a small parking area. The viewing platform provides a lookout point over the preserve’s extensive salt marshes and the Chesapeake Bay. These marshes offer superb views of bald eagle, brown pelican, wintering waterfowl, and wading birds. A put-in site for kayaks and canoes is also available.
Please remember: Dameron Marsh is a Natural Area Preserve and, as such, contains sensitive natural communities. Respect this area by staying on designated paths, leaving pets in the car or at home, and not removing anything from the area.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Dameron Marsh Natural Area Preserve (as reported to eBird)
- Canada Goose
- Mute Swan
- Tundra Swan
- Bufflehead
- Wild Turkey
- Mourning Dove
- Ring-billed Gull
- American Herring Gull
- Forster's Tern
- Double-crested Cormorant
Amenities & Access Considerations
Amenities
- Hiking Trails
- Parking
- Kayak/Canoe Launch
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 715 Guarding Point Lane, Kilmarnock, VA 22482
Location Coordinates: 37.779995, -76.308004
From Kilmarnock, go north on VA 200 towards Burgess. Turn right onto VA 606. Turn left at the Shiloh schoolhouse onto VA 605. Turn right onto VA 606, and then left onto VA 693. Follow VA 693 into the preserve.
What to Know Before Visiting
The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail is a network of more than 500 premier wildlife viewing sites across the state. Walk a nature trail, paddle a river, or enjoy a scenic overlook and you’ll soon understand what makes Virginia a premier destination for birding and wildlife viewing.