Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge has  restored over 84 acres of previous agriculture fields on land acquired three years ago.  The work was accomplished with the help of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Virginia Field Office Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program and Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.  The property is located on Muddy Creek, a direct tributary to Back Bay. 

A new water control structure and six ditch plugs were placed in drainage ditches to raise water levels and flood portions of the fields, and over 7,200 native trees were planted to restore forested wetland habitat.  The plantings include willow oak, bald cypress, eastern red cedar, bayberry, water oak, Virginia willow, blackgum, inkberry, silky dogwood, and winterberry   As part of the acquisition agreement, Northeast Regional Office Realty staff relocated to alternative accommodations a fisherman living on the property.  Following relocation of the resident, staff removed tires, vehicles and boats, fishing equipment, and other property.  We also demolished two houses and a boat house, and the area was seeded with native grasses to restore wildlife habitat. 

With all work completed, this key parcel can now contribute to interagency goals to protect and enhance the Back Bay Watershed.