Weston Wildlife Management Area

Description

Weston Wildlife Management Area is a hidden gem of hardwood and bottomland forests, with sweeping views of grassland fields. Dappled sunlight filters through white oaks along Turkey Run, which flows through the back of the property. This management area does not allow hunting, making it ideal for undisturbed wildlife viewing. Within Weston is the Warrenton Antiquarian Society, a privately owned historical area that offers property tours about its rich history from the colonial era and beyond.

Two hiking and horse-riding trails are on site, each approximately 1-mile long, that circle around the management area. Listen closely in the winter for the sweet, whistled tune of a white-throated sparrow as he sings “old Sam Peabody, Peabody, Peabody,” or the rousing call of the barred owl as it asks, “who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” Abundant oaks and a fast-flowing stream make this a fantastic spot during both spring and fall migration. Twenty-one species of warblers have been recorded here since 2016, including Cape May, blackburnian, black-throated blue, and magnolia. Summer resident eastern wood-pewee, wood thrush, and scarlet tanager fill the forests with song.

Vernal pools provide for spring peepers, wood frogs, and Fowler’s toads, while box turtles wander along the trailside. Spring blooms, including the showy Virginia bluebells and mayapple, spread across the lowlands, creating a picturesque scene. Be on the lookout for common wood nymphs and zebra swallowtail butterflies flittering low in the forest.

Notes:

• To Access the Site: A Restore the Wild Membership, Virginia hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.
• The Weston is currently designated as a Chase Only area. It is very popular for beagle and bird dog training, as well as fox hunting with hounds. The season begins September 1 and runs through March 31 annually. Training activities are allowed during daylight hours Monday through Saturday only, and no firearms are allowed.
• Please park only near the DWR kiosk and not in the Warrenton Antiquarian Society’s parking lot.

Directions

Physical Coordinates: 38.664441, -77.697603

From Warrenton, head east on US-15 Business/E. Lee Hwy, continue onto SR-642/Meetze Rd, turn left onto SR-616/Casanova Rd, turn left onto SR-747/Weston Rd, and follow it to the parking area past the Warrenton Antiquarian Society. Entrance will be along gravel road to the left.