Google searched for local nature hike. With new tattoos, I wanted to avoid the beaches and water. I’m glad I read a few reviews and blogs of what to expect because this is a hidden treasure in the outskirts of west ghent residential neighborhood and next to train yard. No admission or parking fees. I’m sure they probably appreciate donations online. It is completely fenced in. The walking paths are natural, lined with branches and covered in pine needles which softened the walk. Not all paths are accessible but one could still enjoy this place. There’s benches to rest all throughout. Well shaded for a hot day! Would be fun for families and kids too. The smaller paths just loop around like a big maze without walls. Botanical signage and new plantings everywhere. I could hear lots of birds but couldn’t see them. This was spontaneous so we didn’t pack binoculars. We went in the afternoon and were not bothered by bugs. I would recommend socks and shoes. Very clean and peaceful. Bathrooms were locked but there’s a port-a-potty.

It's not often that you stumble on a sanctuary. Over three years ago that's exactly what occurred when I had a a meeting at nearby Norfolk Southern. Since this time I have volunteered for clean up days and posted pictures. However, I could not bring myself to write a review that would bring attention and traffic to the garden oasis. However the sanctuary needs your support with an aging volunteer staff and a long list of maintenance items. The 3 acre plot was gifted to Cape Henry Audubon Society in 70's by Norfolk & Southern RR. The Weyanoke Caretaker is 76 yr old Woody and he can still swing a mean ax, or saw a log without machinery. Woody is just one of the many volunteers that maintain the grounds, provide tours and provide programming.So what to expect if you visit without a tour. There are park benches, a creek, a marsh overlook, trails and a meadow to enjoy. Many of the plantings are labeled. With a tour you will learn about the Cape Henry Audubon Society's Mission at Weyanoke. Birds and plants will be highlighted and a discussion on the environment and how to protect our precious resources. School groups can schedule tours. A nature walk occurs the third Saturday of the month at 9 AM and last approximately an hour. Donna has led several tours I've been on and is a knowledgeable guide.The location is in West Ghent Norfolk. The gardens are adjacent to the neighborhood. The address when plugged in could act a bit funky but it's correct as it leads you through residential properties. Parking is a half block away at Jeff Robertson Park. Nicky's Gate is secret passage way for locals and volunteers. The gate is kept unlocked if you are lucky enough to locate. If you do find it keep it closed. Bike trails run across the side of the property and connect to adjacent trails by nearby Jeff Robertson park. The trails are part of the Elizabeth River Trail Network that run for miles in Norfolk. Biking is not permitted in the park. There are no trash cans inside the sanctuary for debris. Just outside the fenced in area there is a barrel for use of trash. Please take out any trash you find and be a good stewart of the sanctuary. Pets are prohibited in the gardens. Hours are 9-6 during the weekend. Winter months they close at 5. Staff is on the property but, no official tours per se. Consider opportunities to volunteer your time and expertise for Spring clean up and planting. Information is on their website. Or contact Mike Schoen 757-364-9406. There are projects going on year around. Ball is now in your court to enjoy a small piece of heaven in suburbia.

Like a forest in the middle of a city .. i loved it, i woukd definately come back .. flowers .. trees . Places to sit.. even lil box with info for the flowers .. this place is awesome

Having lived in Norfolk nearly all my life and taking pride that I had spent time in most if not all of the area's Parks, I was startled that I discovered this late in my life. I first saw this place walking the Elizabeth River Trail but did not know how to get in or who controlled it, or whether it was private property. There appeared to be a fence completely around it and all the entrances appeared locked; some looked unused as well. I came back later while visiting a nearby park and went to look closer. I discovered the main entrance and its limited hours of visitation. But until I stopped a teen walking by with a skateboard in his hand and asked about the Park, I did not realize there was a hidden entrance/gate available all the time for those in the know. I entered and had a very pleasant surprise. Since I found the park in the winter, I did not see lots of blooms but did see lots of plants that were labeled, wonderful trees, and a few critters. It began my walk with a real sense of exploration finding new discoveries around each turn in the path. Perhaps, if I had come here based on great reviews I might have been underwhelmed but in the Winter, it was quiet (sometimes you heard movement from train cars), and there was solitude and there were trails that went down to the watercourse and around and through the property. I was surprised to find a port-a-John and knew that someone cared about this place and protected it. This sanctuary is buried at the edges of a very nice Norfolk neighborhood in West Ghent. Its full of trees, shrubs, birds and squirrels. It is not flashy. Its not manicured (or wasn't on my two visits). But it is cared for. Some of the trails appear to have followed previous social trails through the property. There is a ravine along one side with some small trails going down to the water (or wetlands) and a small overlook platform. There appears to be a grouping of benches near the main entrance appropriate for small groups of children to learn about nature. On the opposite side of the tiny Park from the ravine and outside the fence is the Elizabeth River Trail and beyond it the rail yard and offices of the railroad. Take your friends who are Norfolk natives here and they will be surprised. Or keep it to yourself and when you need solitude, sneak off here.

The best thing about about this sanctuary is that it is only open on Saturday and Sunday..The werst thing is that it is only open on those days.No crowds. A small oasis in Norfolk to sit and enjoy being outdoors and enjoy nature.