Description
Elevation: 1003 ft.
The Adams Tract in Fairystone Farms Wildlife Management Area hosts a wide diversity of habitats including a 55-acre strip-cropped bottom with Gobblintown Creek running through the area. This area has 8 acres of seasonally flooded waterfowl impoundments surrounded by oak and pine forest with marked nature trails. This unique area offers a wide variety of waterfowl, songbirds, and wildlife throughout the year.
Union Church Bridge crosses the northern end of Philpott Lake where pristine water unites with steep rocky banks. The forest in this area is primarily white pine with a variety of oaks and maples. This area should be checked in the winter for waterfowl and during migration for waterfowl, shorebirds, cormorants, gulls, and terns. The bridge supports nesting barn swallow and cliff swallow.
Ryan’s Branch opens from a small inlet of Philpott Lake just east of the bridge and provides a flat water area for padding, canoeing, or kayaking. The associated park, Ryan’s Branch Recreation Area, boasts lake access, a boat ramp, and a parking area just north of the bridge.
Notes:
- To Access the Site: A Restore the Wild Membership, Virginia hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.
- This site may be closed during certain times of year for hunting or land management. See seasonal access information on the Fairystone Farms WMA website.
- If you are visiting this site during hunting seasons, please wear blaze orange/pink for safety.
Wildlife Sightings
90 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Adams Tract of Fairystone Farms Wildlife Management Area – Union Church Bridge:
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Apr 2024 | 2 | Lisa Mease |
| 4 Apr 2024 | 2 | DWR Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail Team |
| 5 Dec 2021 | 7 | Paul Glass |
| 27 Jun 2021 | 1 | Marjie Gowdy |
| 29 Jun 2019 | 2 | Clyde Kessler |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Kayak/Canoe Launch
- Boat Ramp
Other Amenities: Camping/Lodging, 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
Location of Union Bridge: SR 623 north of Fairy Stone State Park, Stuart, VA 24171
From Fairy Stone State Park, take SR 623 north for 0.1 miles and turn left at the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources sign to the entrance to the Adams Tract before continuing on for 5.0 miles to Union Church Bridge.
Site Information
Managed By:
- VA Dept. of Wildlife Resources
Access Requirements:
- Daily. Restore the Wild Membership, hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.
Contact Information:
- Virginia DWR - Region 2 office: 434-525-7522; Ryan's Branch: 276-629-2703; Contact Us
- 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.