Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
Mud flat and forest at Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve
Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve Location in Virginia Show map of Virginia Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	Mathews County, Virginia
Area	105 acres (42 ha)
Governing body	Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve is a 105-acre (42 ha) Natural Area Preserve located in Mathews County, Virginia, near the Chesapeake Bay. It contains beach, low dune, and salt marsh habitats, and provides a haven for rare marsh and colonial nesting birds, The preserve also protects habitat for two globally rare species, the northeastern beach tiger beetle and sea-beach knotweed.

The preserve is owned and maintained by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, and is open to the public; however the preserve is largely undeveloped with the exception of a gravel parking area for visitors.