What To See

HabitatBackyard Habitat

This native habitat shows how you can enhance your own backyard into a space that will attract wildlife.

Park Wildlife

Sandy Bottom Nature Park is home to over 400 species of plants in over 100 families. Many of these plants are city records, meaning that they are found nowhere else in the City of Hampton except for Sandy Bottom Nature Park. Sandy Bottom is also home to a wide variety of animal life. Although the list is not as comprehensive as the plant list, both are in the process of being updated. A few are permanent residents in our Wildlife Center.

Wildlife Lists

Bird Sightings List by Year

  1. 2020 bird sightings (PDF)
  2. 2019 bird sightings (PDF)
  3. 2018 bird sightings (PDF)
  4. 2017 bird sightings (PDF)
  5. 2016 bird sightings (PDF)
  1. 2015 bird sightings (PDF)
  2. 2014 bird sightings (PDF)
  3. 2013 bird sightings (PDF)
  4. 2012 bird sightings (PDF)
  5. 2011 bird sightings (PDF)
  1. 2010 bird sightings (PDF)
  2. 2009 bird sightings (PDF)
  3. 2008 bird sightings (PDF)
  4. 2007 bird sightings (PDF)

Plant List

Thanks to Pat Baldwin, with the John Clayton Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society, for surveying the entire park and compiling this plant list. Plants listed with an * denote a city record, i.e. a plant that has been found no-where else in the City of Hampton except for Sandy Bottom Nature Park. Wildlife Center

Wildlife Education Center

A number of wild animals that would not be able to survive in the wild for one reason or another reside permanently here at the park. They form a vital part of our thriving educational program, helping over 4,000 students a year gain a greater understanding of - and appreciation for - the natural world.

For the safety of the animals, the compound is not open to the general public. Special tours can be arranged, or you can check the monthly schedule to Meet the Animals Program.