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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Old Soudan Wildlife Management Area

Description

Old Soudan WMA is located across the water from Merifield WMA where yet another old road emerges from the depths of Kerr (Buggs Island) Lake. Although only a few hundred yards apart, the character of Old Soudan WMA is quite different. Here the woods are more open and the lakeshore is more easily accessible to the visitor. The hardwoods along the entry road give way to numerous meadows complementing the dense pines across the way.

Follow the entry road to the edge of the water into a quiet cove where ospreys sail overhead and a variety of waterfowl dabble away the winter. Check the neighboring woodlands for chipping northern cardinals and the raucous calls of both American and fish crows. Out in the open meadows, monarchs hang lazily above the goldenrod, while indigo buntings flush at your approach. Numerous opportunities exist along the muddy banks of the river or along the edge of the forest for surprising finds and we’re sure you’ll enjoy searching for them.

Wildlife Sightings

62 species have been reported at this site to date.

Birds Recently Seen at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Old Soudan Wildlife Management Area:

    Recent Checklists:

    Date# of SpeciesSubmitted By
    24 Aug 20247Lisa Mease
    24 Aug 20247DWR Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail Team
    27 May 202316Constance Griner
    27 May 202316Eugene Griner
    27 May 202316Clyde Wilson

    See more recent checklists…

    Amenities & Accessibility

    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

    From Merifield WMA, return north on Old National Highway for 2.0 miles to Burlington Drive. Turn left and go south 0.8 miles to US 15. Turn left (south) for 3.4 miles to Stateline Road. Turn left and continue east for 0.6 miles to Rt. 822/Mistletoe Lane. Turn left and go 1.4 miles to the WMA at the end of the road.

    Managed By:

    • Dept. of Defense

    Access Requirements:

    • Free, open daily

    Contact Information:

    • (434) 738-6143 christopher.c.powell@usace.army.mil
    • 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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