Varina LandLab Conservation Area

The Varina LandLab Conservation Area contains 350 acres made up of grassland, riparian, river, forest, and early successional habitats along the James River. The Capital Region Land Conservancy (CRLC) has been protecting and restoring the property since 2017 and the Varina LandLab opened to the public in June 2023. Within the first 5 months, eBirders reported 95 species, including northern bobwhite, yellow-breasted chat, and blue grosbeak.

Multiple sparrow species can be found in the brush along the well-maintained trails. Photo Credit: Lisa Mease/DWR

Red foxes, American minks, and eastern river cooters are among the non-avian species seen here so far. The CRLC is continuing its work to restore the land to its natural state through tree plantings, prescribed burns, and invasive species removal, and they’re encouraging citizen scientists to submit sightings to eBird and iNaturalist so biodiversity changes can be tracked over time.

Notes:

• The James River and surrounding tributaries here are tidal and also subject to flooding. Check the tide predictions on the NOAA website and the water levels on the National Weather Service website before heading out.
• The only public access point along this section of Four Mile Creek is at Deep Bottom Park. Putting-in or taking-out at anywhere else is prohibited.