The Virginia Coast Biosphere Reserve on the Atlantic Ocean is composed of barrier islands with adjacent estuaries and marshlands, and is the longest expanse of coastal wilderness remaining on the east coast. 14 undeveloped barrier and marsh islands help to protect Eastern Shore communities from storm surges and sea level rise, as well as providing critical wildlife habitat. The barrier islands shelter more than 250 species of raptors, songbirds, and shorebirds, which find food in the adjacent bays and salt marshes.
Declaration Date: 1979
Country: United States
Surface Area: 13,511 ha
Resident population:
Contact: Jill Bieri jbieri@tnc.org
See on the map