Spring Roundup – South Herd

Date/Time
Date(s) - 04/17/2020
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm

UPDATE March 23 – Spring Roundup will still take place for the health and safety of the ponies with limited Saltwater Cowboys. Public is asked not to attend and as of Noon March 24, non-residents and visitors are not allowed on Chincoteague Island due to COVID-19 precautions. Please adhere to these restrictions.

***Notice from the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge: Partial Closure During Pony Spring Health Check***

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge will be closed for a portion of the day on both April 17 and April 18 to allow the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company to conduct its spring health check on the Chincoteague ponies.

• • On Friday April 17, the Refuge will close at 2 p.m. to allow Saltwater Cowboys the
  opportunity to set up and move animals into the South Corral for health checks.

  • On Saturday April 18, the Refuge will open at approximately noon, opening earlier if the
  South Corral work is completed and ponies are released to the grazing area. However, the
  Service Road from the Wildlife Loop to the North Corral will be closed April 18 for the
  remainder of the day to allow for health check operations at the North Corral.
  
  • While these health checks are normally available to the public to view ponies, the
  Refuge, in an abundance of caution and concern for the health and well-being of the
  public during the COVID-19 pandemic, has decided to close during this time so people
  won’t be tempted to congregate at the corrals.
  
  • The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company also can conduct their activities with fewer
  personnel under this closure, allowing them to ensure Fire Company personnel are
  available to the community for priority needs.
  The Refuge will continue to provide accessible outdoor recreation opportunities aligning with
  current federal, state and local guidelines. We urge visitors to adhere to the Town of
  Chincoteague’s Executive Order and CDC guidelines and stay safe.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and
enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American
people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our
scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and
commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it
happen, visit www.fws.gov.

Come watch the Saltwater Cowboys round up the South Herd of Chincoteague Ponies. Learn more about Spring Round Up.