Except for certain specific situations, bicycles, camping, fires, unleashed pets, hunting, off-road vehicles and removal or destruction of plants, animals, minerals or historic artifacts are prohibited on all Virginia Natural Area Preserves. Learn more.
SITE DESCRIPTION:
Located mid-way along Virginia's Eastern Shore, Parramore Island is the state's largest natural area preserve. More than seven and a half miles long, the island is one of 14 uninhabited Atlantic barrier islands that are part of The Nature Conservancy's Virginia Coast Reserve. The island features a high-energy beach and dune system, a globally rare maritime scrub community, and expansive salt marshes.
VISITATION:
Parramore Island is open to the public for low-impact, recreational day use. Camping, campfires, vehicles and pets are prohibited year-round. All
areas above the high tide line are closed April through August.
For additional information, including information about Research Permit Applications to conduct research at the preserve, please contact the Virginia Coast Reserve office at 757-442-3049 or visit the VCR website and Explore Our Seaside. Resarch is also conducted on various other state Natural Area Preserves, state research permit applications are available online.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
In the 2000s, invasive species control at this preserve was funded by the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program at the Department of Environmental Quality through Grant # NA03NOS4190104 and NA07NOS4190178 of the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended.
CONTACT:
Shannon Alexander, Coastal Region Steward
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Division of Natural Heritage
Belle Haven, VA
(757) 710-3428.