Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge Occoquan Bay NWR is an oasis for migratory birds and wildlife. Come visit our Wildlife Refuge today!

Visitor Center Update – Occoquan Bay National Wildlife RefugePlease be advised that the Visitor Center will be closed on...
05/21/2026

Visitor Center Update – Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Please be advised that the Visitor Center will be closed on Saturdays until further notice. We appreciate your understanding as we adjust our operations. Additionally, in observance of Memorial Day, the Visitor Center will be closed on Monday, May 25th.

The refuge grounds will remain open during regular operating hours.

Due to some changes in staff this will be our last Trail Camera Tuesday post and our regular content may be decreasing. ...
05/05/2026

Due to some changes in staff this will be our last Trail Camera Tuesday post and our regular content may be decreasing. 😭However, of course we have a very cool animal for our last one.

This past month our trail cameras spotted a bobcat walking on the trails in the morning. Male bobcats have a territory that can span 60 square miles and are moving areas constantly. That being said, we believe it's no longer on the refuge. We were just a stopping point on his journey. 🐾

📷:USFWS

This past weekend we held our annual volunteer appreciation lunch in our visitor center. Our volunteers help all around ...
04/29/2026

This past weekend we held our annual volunteer appreciation lunch in our visitor center. Our volunteers help all around the refuge and their work consists of maintenance, biological surveys and visitor services. We appreciate all the time and energy they spend with us. Thank you!!💓

📷: Gabby Youngken/USFWS

Not the best photo, but our trail cameras caught this little guy running near a wetland at Mason Neck. We believe this i...
04/28/2026

Not the best photo, but our trail cameras caught this little guy running near a wetland at Mason Neck. We believe this is a long-tailed weasel. Weasels are small mammals that are voracious predators, constantly foraging all day. They can be found in a variety of habitats throughout Virginia. However, they are very elusive and hard to see.



📷:USFWS

Congratulations to the winners of this years Junior Duck Stamp Contest! It's truly remarkable to see how talented these ...
04/24/2026

Congratulations to the winners of this years Junior Duck Stamp Contest! It's truly remarkable to see how talented these students are and how early their love for conservation can start. 🦆

Earth Day is a reminder that every acre of protected land matters—and here on the refuge, that work happens every single...
04/22/2026

Earth Day is a reminder that every acre of protected land matters—and here on the refuge, that work happens every single day. From providing critical habitat for migratory birds to protecting native plants and pollinators, this landscape plays a small but vital role in a much bigger story.

Today, we celebrate the wildlife that depend on these spaces and the people who help protect them. Whether you’re visiting, volunteering, or simply learning more about the natural world, you’re part of the effort to keep these habitats thriving for generations to come.

Take a moment today to step outside, listen, and appreciate the wild places around you. 🌎🌿



📷:Randy Streufert/USFWS

The reality of trail camera footage...You just never know what you're going to get! 📷:USFWS
04/21/2026

The reality of trail camera footage...

You just never know what you're going to get!



📷:USFWS

Virginia's state tree is in full bloom right now! 🌸Dogwoods are scattered throughout the refuge. They prefer partial sha...
04/16/2026

Virginia's state tree is in full bloom right now! 🌸

Dogwoods are scattered throughout the refuge. They prefer partial shade and well-drained soil, which is why you’ll often see them growing naturally along forest edges. However, they can be a bit sensitive. They are susceptible to diseases, especially if they’re stressed by drought or poor growing conditions.

📷: John Eppler/USFWS

04/14/2026

Ever seen a coyote in mid-air? 🐾
These incredible animals can leap fences up to 6 feet high—and make it look effortless. Just another reminder of how adaptable wildlife can be right in our own backyards.

Keep your eyes open… you never know what you’ll spot!


📷: USFWS
Video Description: A coyote looks around on a patch of land surrounded by water then walks to the left. Suddenly, another coyote jumps across the water to follow the first one.

What are those???🐛Eastern tent caterpillars can be seen on trees around the refuge. While they may look harmful to the t...
04/13/2026

What are those???🐛

Eastern tent caterpillars can be seen on trees around the refuge. While they may look harmful to the trees, they are not hurting them. These caterpillars create silken, web-like nests in the crotches of trees in early spring. Crabapple trees and wild cherry are their go-tos. Doing this behavior allows them to hide inside of the web to avoid predators, cold, and rain. They are native and are a good source of food for birds.

📷:USFWS

Address

14050 Dawson Beach Road
Woodbridge, VA
22191

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 7pm
Tuesday 7am - 7pm
Wednesday 7am - 7pm
Thursday 7am - 7pm
Friday 7am - 7pm
Saturday 7am - 7pm
Sunday 7am - 7pm

Telephone

(703) 490-4979

Website

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