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Chesapeake Arboretum

Description

The Arboretum consists of 2 acres of gardens, the Caleb Williamson Farmhouse, and 48 acres of woodlands with 3.5 miles of mulched trails. Pick up a trail map from the box along the path near the farmhouse to begin exploring the grounds. Highlights of the trail include crossing a small clear stream that flows through the forest, which attracts reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies and provides a bathing spot for the woodland passerines that frequent the property.

Wildlife Sightings

152 species have been reported at this site to date.

Birds Recently Seen at Chesapeake Arboretum:

  • Red-shouldered Hawk
  • Canada Goose
  • Mallard
  • Ring-necked Duck
  • Osprey
  • Red-bellied Woodpecker
  • Downy Woodpecker
  • Pileated Woodpecker
  • American Crow
  • Carolina Chickadee

Recent Checklists:

Date# of SpeciesSubmitted By
25 Feb 20261David Gibson
24 Feb 202619Christopher Williams
21 Feb 202627David Gibson
21 Feb 202627Kerry Winter
17 Feb 202620David Gibson

See more recent checklists…

Amenities & Accessibility

Amenities

  • On-site Parking
  • Restrooms

Other Amenities: Hiking Trails

Accessibility Considerations

This location does not have a Birdability Site Review available at this time

Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces

Maps & Directions

View on Google Maps

Address: 624 Oak Grove Road, Chesapeake, VA 23320

From Norfolk, head west on I-264, keep right to continue on I-464 S and follow signs for Chesapeake, continue onto VA-168 S, take exit 13A to merge onto Battlefield Blvd N, turn right onto Oak Grove Rd, and the entrance to the parking lot will be on the left in approximately 0.5 miles. The trailhead is across Oak Grove Rd. from the parking lot.

Access Requirements:

  • Free, Daily, Sunrise to Sunset

Contact Information:

  • 757-819-7510, ContactPRT@cityofchesapeake.net
  • Visit Website
  • Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.

About the VBWT

The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail is a network of over 600 greenspaces and blueways throughout the Commonwealth selected for their wildlife viewing potential. Walk a nature trail, paddle a river, or enjoy a scenic overlook and you’ll soon see why Virginia is a premier destination for birding and wildlife viewing.

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