The marshes of North Landing River are the most ecologically diverse in the state. For instance, the preserve contains the only example of pocosin natural community in Virginia (peat bogs dominated by shrub thickets). The wind-tide marshes and long-lived Baldcypress stress of the North Landing River are home to at least six rare animals including dozens of species of waterfowl such as the Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, and the well-camouflaged Least Bittern, smallest of the world's herons. In fact, one of the state's largest heron rookeries is found here.

Among the threats to this unique natural area is Phragmites, or Common Reed, an invasive grass choking out several common species and threatening the preserve's rare plants. A program led by the Department of Conservation and recreation uses prescribed burns and biodegradable herbicides to control Phragmites. Restoring the role of fire in natural systems through prescribed burns recycles nutrients through the soil, by controlling overly-invasive plants. Other threats posed by the growth of Virginia Beach are channeling of marshes and dredging.

The Least Bittern

Follow Indian River Road about eight miles to North Landing Road (note: watch for a tricky zig-zag at Elbow Road. Be sure to stay on Indian River). Turn right onto North Landing Road. Go 2.2 miles then turn left onto Fentress Airfield Road. Turn left immediately onto Blackwater Road.

Follow Blackwater Road 9.3 miles to the preserve entrance on the left side of the road. (You will pass Blackwater Trading Post after 7.2 miles, then Blackwater Fire Station after 2 more miles). The preserve entrance is a few hundred yards past the fire station. There is a small parking area. There is a trail brochure at the start of the boardwalk. If you get to North Carolina, you've gone too far!