Grandview Nature Preserve

This 500-acre preserve along the Chesapeake Bay may be entered on foot. A trail passes through a cordgrass marsh, where a medley of wetland waders can be seen. In wooded patches along the trail, woodland birds, like the Eastern Towhee, are abundant. The trail ends at a 2.5-mile long sandy beach.

Ruddy Turnstones (Arenaria interpres) are common visitors. Photo Credit: Lisa Mease/DWR

During spring, the beach’s dunes are home to the largest colony of Least Terns on the Atlantic Coast. Black Skimmer, American Oystercatcher, and other shorebirds also frequent the beach. During winter, the offshore waters attract Common and Red-throated loons, American Coot, Long-tailed Duck, Brant, and even the occasional Northern Gannet.

Notes:

• The tip of the Preserve (known as Factory Point) is closed April 1 – Sept 15 to protect migratory birds during their nesting season. Signs are posted.
• The whole beach is closed to dogs May 15 – Sept 15.