Winter Harbor North
The Bethel Beach site in Mathews County, Va., consists of 21 acres, including three acres of marshland. Pine and cedar are the dominant tree type in the upland sections of the property. Although both the high and marsh appear to be healthy, invasive phragmites is slowly taking over the higher section of the marsh. The forested area and marsh support a variety of wildlife, including woodcock and other shorebirds. The old fence posts with barbed wire and levees present suggest that the land was previously used as a farm field, and a barn structure still stands toward the interior of the property.
Nearby, the Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve consists of more than 100 acres off the Chesapeake Bay. The area supports nearly 175 species of birds, especially during spring and fall migration. The preserve’s sandy shoreline, low dunes, and salt marsh areas supports a variety of wildlife, including the federally threatened northeastern beach tiger beetle. Oct. 8, 2021 (Photo by Aileen Devlin | Virginia Sea Grant)
Winter Harbor North
The Bethel Beach site in Mathews County, Va., consists of 21 acres, including three acres of marshland. Pine and cedar are the dominant tree type in the upland sections of the property. Although both the high and marsh appear to be healthy, invasive phragmites is slowly taking over the higher section of the marsh. The forested area and marsh support a variety of wildlife, including woodcock and other shorebirds. The old fence posts with barbed wire and levees present suggest that the land was previously used as a farm field, and a barn structure still stands toward the interior of the property.
Nearby, the Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve consists of more than 100 acres off the Chesapeake Bay. The area supports nearly 175 species of birds, especially during spring and fall migration. The preserve’s sandy shoreline, low dunes, and salt marsh areas supports a variety of wildlife, including the federally threatened northeastern beach tiger beetle. Oct. 8, 2021 (Photo by Aileen Devlin | Virginia Sea Grant)