The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service completed a 3-year, $6 million effort to expand Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR with the final transfer of 22.5-acres on March 11, 2008.  This tract is a total of 82-acres, located at the southernmost tip of the Delmarva Peninsula.  The area has been identified as an extremely important staging area for millions of Neotropical and temperate migratory birds during migration.  These migrants have suffered long-term declines due to habitat loss and other stresses throughout their range -- from Canada to South America. 

The Nature Conservancy purchased the farm in May, 2005.  The property is located on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and is comprised of sandy beaches (with habitat for the endangered Northeastern Beach Tiger beetle), high dunes, forested uplands and farm fields.  Before transfer of the property to the Service, The Nature Conservancy planted high priority trees and shrubs to begin the revegetation process. 

The protection of this property is part of a larger partnership between the Service, TNC, and the Commonwealth of Virginia to protect and conserve lands at the southern tip of the Delmarva Peninsula.  The acquisition also maintains the rural character of Northampton County, which is an objective of the County's Comprehensive Plan.