Overview
The Weston Wildlife Conservation Site (WCS), owned by the Department since 1959, has escaped the attention given to the larger neighboring Phelps and Thompson Wildlife Management Areas. A forgotten jewel, the Weston WCS offers the outdoor enthusiast a variety of recreational opportunities. Dog training, wildlife observation, and nature studies are just a few.
Located near Casanova, the 271 acre Weston WCS has a variety of habitat features. Mature hardwood forests predominate and are found on upland terraces and along the meandering Turkey Run. Once actively managed farmland has now reverted to dense cedar thickets and old fields in various stages of succession. The mosaic of fields is distinctly divided by well-developed hedgerows. Turkey Run, which forms the eastern boundary, provides a dependable year-round water supply. Within the Weston WCS is a 10 acre privately owned parcel. Formerly the home of Miss Charlotte Saint George Nourse, the parcel is now owned and managed by the Warrenton Antiquarian Society.
Hunting
Sunday Hunting Opportunities on Public Lands in Virginia »
The Weston is currently designated as a Chase Only area. The area is very popular for beagle and bird dog training. A chase only season begins September 1 and runs through March 31 annually. Training activities are allowed during daylight hours.No firearms are allowed.
Fishing
Turkey Run is the only waterbody on the area. Perennial flow supports numerous populations of sunfish, minnow and other species. Anglers can expect to catch redbreast sunfish, green sunfish, fallfish, creek chub, and perhaps even smallmouth bass in this lovely piedmont stream. Stream width varies from eight to 25 feet making it accessible to spinning tackle or fly-fishing enthusiasts.
Other Activities
The variety of habitat types and the associated wildlife species along with the extensive trail system makes the Weston a popular destination for wildlife watching, nature studies and photography. Virginia Bluebells and other wildflowers blooming along Turkey Run are certainly worth a visit during early spring.
Facilities
The parking area is located at the end of the WCS access road . The WCS boundary is marked with yellow paint and white boundary signs. Primitive camping is allowed. No restroom or trash disposal facilities are available.
Maps & Directions
The Weston Wildlife Conservation Site, located near Casanova, can be reached by taking Meetze Road (Route 643) South from Route 29 at Warrenton to Casanova Road (Route 616). Then, turning left onto Weston Road (Route 747) at Casanova, the property entrance is approximately 1 mile past the Casanova Post Office. Follow gravel road to the left to access the parking area.
Map of Weston WMA
What To Know Before Visiting
A valid Virginia hunting or trapping license, fishing license, current certificate of Virginia boat registration, access permit, or current “Restore the Wild” membership is required to use this area.
Recreational Opportunities
- Primitive Camping (Requirements for Camping on WMAs)
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
- Wildlife Viewing
Images by: Meghan Marchetti