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This island refuge provides prime wetland habitat for wintering Canada geese, wood ducks, black ducks, and mallards.
While small in size, Presquile attracts flocks of 3,000 Canada geese and 1,000 ducks annually. Some wintering snow geese also use the refuge.
Wood ducks frequently nest along the banks of the two refuge creeks and in old-growth forest.
Bald eagles nest here in small numbers.
Resident mammals include white-tailed deer, fox, muskrat, beaver,opossum and the eastern grey squirrel.
The land within the refuge was first occupied by prehistoric Native Americans. William Randolf, an ancestor of Thomas Jefferson and Robert E. Lee, immigrated to "Presque Isle" in 1660, and lived on the
property for many years.
Union troops occupied the area during the Battle Petersburg. The Union used the refuge, then known as Turkey Bend, as a key observation point for river traffic coming south from Richmond, Virginia.
In 1952, the most recent owner, Dr. A.D. Williams, bequeathed the farm to the government to be adminstered as a refuge.
The small ferry that once transported visitors to the refuge is no longer in service. Access is limited. Groups can arrange visits for environmental education and wildlife observation by calling the refuge one month in advance.
White-tailed deer hunting is permitted on portions of the refuge. A recreational user fee is charged for each hunt day.
Outdoor Activities |
