Description
The Varina LandLab Conservation Area contains 350 acres made up of grassland, riparian, river, forest, and early successional habitats along the James River. The Capital Region Land Conservancy (CRLC) has been protecting and restoring the property since 2017 and the Varina LandLab opened to the public in June 2023. Within the first 5 months, eBirders reported 95 species, including northern bobwhite, yellow-breasted chat, and blue grosbeak.
Multiple sparrow species can be found in the brush along the well-maintained trails. Photo Credit: Lisa Mease/DWR
Red foxes, American minks, and eastern river cooters are among the non-avian species seen here so far. The CRLC is continuing its work to restore the land to its natural state through tree plantings, prescribed burns, and invasive species removal, and they’re encouraging citizen scientists to submit sightings to eBird and iNaturalist so biodiversity changes can be tracked over time.
Notes:
- The James River and surrounding tributaries here are tidal and also subject to flooding. Check the tide predictions on the NOAA website and the water levels on the National Weather Service website before heading out.
- The only public access point along this section of Four Mile Creek is at Deep Bottom Park. Putting-in or taking-out at anywhere else is prohibited.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Varina LandLab Conservation Area:
- Bald Eagle
- American Crow
- Northern Mockingbird
- White-throated Sparrow
- Northern Cardinal
147 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 31 Jan 2026 | 5 | Travis Webb |
| 17 Jan 2026 | 10 | Dave Hemmings |
| 14 Jan 2026 | 6 | Ewa Greene |
| 14 Jan 2026 | 9 | Ewa Greene |
| 11 Jan 2026 | 7 | Zachary Woolard |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Other Site Amenities: Hiking Trails, Historical Site
Maps & Directions
Entrance 1 Address: 8951 Deep Bottom Road, Richmond, VA 23231
Entrance 2 Address: 9051 Deep Bottom Road, Richmond, VA 23231
Entrance 3 Address: 9200 Deep Bottom Rd, Richmond, VA 23231
From I-295, take exit 22A to merge onto VA-5 E/New Market Rd, turn right onto Kingsland Rd, turn left onto Deep Bottom Rd, and park at one of the three entrances along Deep Bottom Rd.
Site Information
Managed By:
- 0
Access Requirements:
Contact Information:
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.