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Pleasure House Point

Pleasure House Point, located just west of the Lesner Bridge and south of the Chesapeake Bay. is 118 acres of water, tidal marsh, sandy shores and maritime forest. The shallow water estuarine environment of the property provides habitat for the iconic Chesapeake Bay blue crab and the Lynnhaven oyster. This high-profile property was once being considered for a large waterfront development, but with the help of the Trust for Public Land, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the surrounding community, the City has preserved one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land on the Lynnhaven River for generations to come.

Here is a description from the Virginia Division of Wildlife Resourdes:

Pleasure House Point Natural Area contains 118 acres of water, tidal marsh, sandy shores, and maritime forest on the Lynnhaven River, just south of the Chesapeake Bay. It is part of the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network and preserves one the largest undeveloped parcels of land on the Lynnhaven River.

The tidal wetlands of Pleasure House Point provide food and habitat to many bird species throughout the seasons. Herons, Egrets, Osprey, Clapper Rail, Black Skimmer, Seaside Sparrow, American Oystercatcher and a variety of gull species may be observed year-round. Winter provides opportunity to view Nelson’s Sparrow and Yellow-rumped Warbler, plus a wide variety of overwintering waterfowl, such as Ruddy Duck, Bufflehead, Northern Shoveler, Hooded Merganser, and Pied-billed Grebe. Bald Eagles may be spotted during the first half of the year, January – June and in the fall, October – December.

Other wildlife observed here includes varied amphibian, reptile, and invertebrate species; including Northern Diamond-backed Terrapin turtles (a species of Greatest Conservation Need in Virginia), the iconic Chesapeake Bay blue crab, and the Lynnhaven oyster. The area also acts as a nursery for other species of crab and mollusk, as well as fish.

Three sandy trails provide excellent birding and wildlife viewing opportunities. The main trail, the Beach Trail, leads to a beach at the eastern end of the Natural Area and provides close-up views of the marsh along the way.

All types of watercraft, including kayaks and canoes, may be launched nearby at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility, located at 3576 Piedmont Circle in Virginia Beach.

Click the following for Pleasure House Point Resources:
 - A Printable ebird Field checklist 
 - ebird PHP bird list
 - GoHike Va PHP information
 - PHP Map
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