Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve

Set off on a tranquil kayak tour of Hoffler Creek with our expert guides as the day begins to fade. Paddle through the peaceful waters, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of this unique marshland habitat. Then, as the sun dips below the horizon, savor the stunning view of the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge-Tunnel, bathed in the warm glow of sunset over the James River. ​​​

Help us maintain the Preserve's trails and common areas! Come ready to remove invasive plants, rake, prune, pull weeds, and sweep. We appreciate our volunteers, and your help goes a long way toward allowing others to enjoy the natural wonders here!

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Join us for a hands-on adventure exploring the fascinating world of creek critters! Guided by a knowledgeable professor from Christopher Newport University, you'll get up close with the amazing creatures that call Hoffler Creek home. From crabs to periwinkles, she’ll pull critters from the water to observe, interact with, and learn why they’re vital to our ecosystem. It's science, nature, and fun—all in one unforgettable day!

Meet and learn the history behind a few raptors in the care of Nature's Nanny Wildlife Rehabilitation. Afterward, Dana Lusher of NNWR will lead an exploration of Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve's trails to search for owls in their natural habitat. Put your eyes and ears to the test as you scour the treetops after enjoying a presentation about these fascinating birds of prey. 

Theresa Augustin, Norfolk Botanical Garden's Vice President of Education, will lead this tour. Tag along as she navigates the trails of Hoffler Creek in search of mushrooms commonly found in our region. Listen closely to learn identification techniques and get a better understanding of the role that mushrooms play in our environment. 

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Want to learn about mindful meditation in a beautiful natural setting? In addition to learning basic techniques, we will review the well-documented medical evidence that meditation practice reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and actually slows the aging process!​​

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Arborist D.W. Coble will lead this immersive tour through the Preserve, taking you beyond the beautiful view to explore the trees that line our trails, when their vibrant seasonal change is at its peak. You'll leave the walk with new practical skills, learning how to identify different species of local trees year-round, discovering the fascinating biological facts that make the autumn display possible.

Take a stroll around Lake Ballard and beyond with local birding experts (or by yourself) to identify birds in the area by sight and sound before the preserve opens to the public. Bring binoculars or spotting scope for best viewing.​​

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