G. Richard Thompson Wildlife Management Area

Description

Elevation: 1006 ft.

G. Richard Thompson Wildlife Management Area provides several access points to the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This area is primarily forested with a few clearings and the 10-acre Thompson Lake on the eastern side along Rt. 688. The majority of the forest in this area was originally dominated by oak and hickory. Many of the oaks died due to gypsy moth infestation. Currently, pole-sized poplar, red maple and ash are the most prevalent species. The variety of elevations within this management area provide for a greater diversity of bird life. Many of Virginia’s woodland birds can be found here with eastern wood-pewee, Carolina wren, red-eyed vireo and eastern towhee calling throughout the day. Several species of warbler nest in the area with worm-eating, black-and-white, hooded, Kentucky and cerulean all being recorded, and being joined by many more species during migration.

Thompson Lake attracts dragonflies, butterflies, and waterfowl. Photo Credit: Lisa Mease/DWR

Thompson Lake is worth checking in the summer months for a variety of dragon- and damselflies, including eastern amberwing, common whitetail, and widow skimmer. Butterflies are also present with eastern tiger and spicebush swallowtails, pearl crescent and eastern comma all congregating along the moist banks of the lake.

Notes:

• To Access the Site: A Restore the Wild Membership, Virginia hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.
• Hunting could be occurring at this site April 1 – May 31 and September 1 – February 28th. If you are visiting this site during hunting seasons, please wear blaze orange/pink for safety.

Directions

Physical Location: Route 688, Markham, VA 22643

Coordinates: 38.95744, -77.98902

From I-66 in Markham, take Exit 17 onto Route 688 (Leeds Manor Road) north. Two parking areas are accessible on Route 688 (Leeds Manor Road). The first will be on the left about 1 mile after exiting I-66, the second is about 2.8 miles further north and will also be on the left.