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
155 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Chesapeake Arboretum:
- Mallard
- Black Vulture
- Turkey Vulture
- Red-shouldered Hawk
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Pileated Woodpecker
- Great Crested Flycatcher
- Red-eyed Vireo
- Blue Jay
- American Crow
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 30 May 2026 | 16 | Alan Mayhue |
| 30 May 2026 | 16 | Hannah Cooper |
| 29 May 2026 | 1 | Aleshia Matthews |
| 16 May 2026 | 24 | David Gibson |
| 15 May 2026 | 7 | Hales Miller |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
- Birdability Report Available
Other Amenities: Hiking Trails
Accessibility Considerations
This location has a Birdability Site Review available
Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces
Maps & Directions
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.
Site Information
Access Requirements:
- Free, Daily, Sunrise to Sunset
Contact Information:
- Phone: 757-382-6411
- Email: 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.