Nature & Science

Yorktown Onion in bloom.

Cliff and Jean Dickey

Besides significant historic resources, the park contains a diversity of natural resources including extensive wetlands, miles of stream and river shoreline, forests, fields, and many species of animals and flowering plants. Colonial National Historical Park's 8600+ acres lie within the boundaries of the counties of York, James City, Gloucester,and Surry and the City of Williamsburg. The park is within the mid-Atlantic coastal plain of Tidewater Virginia and has a direct hydrological link to the Chesapeake Bay. Most of the park extends along either the York or James Rivers, two of the largest rivers contiguous to the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Enjoy the natural and historic resources of the park while walking, bicycling, birding, fishing, photographing or during a leisurely drive along the Colonial Parkway or tour roads. Support the park and help visitors better understand, appreciate and protect these resources by volunteering or conducting research.