Near Williamsburg in James City County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Ephemeral Streams

— Greensprings Interpretive Trail —

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 14, 2026

1. Ephemeral Streams Marker

Inscription. Along this trail are approximately 40 drainage channels, seeps and ephemeral streams. Ephemeral streams are produced when excess rainwater cannot filter into the soil fast enough. These naturally occurring drainage channels allow water to pass through the site and enter the wetlands. Some of this water flows for hours, even days, depending up on the amount of water, soils and climate. These drainage channels support hydric (water-loving) plants and provide essential habitat diversity for both plants and animals. Puncheon footbridges were constructed over these wetland features to protect these environmentally sensitive sites from pedestrian impacts.

Erected by James City County Parks & Recreation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Environment.

Location. 37° 14.897′ N, 76° 47.362′ W. Marker is near Williamsburg, Virginia, in James City County. It can be reached from John Tyler Highway east of Greensprings Road, on the right when traveling east. Marker is on the Greensprings Interpretive Trail. The address given is for Jamestown High School,

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

which includes the northern trailhead and parking area. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3751 John Tyler Highway, Williamsburg VA 23185, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Virginia’s Peninsula,

in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Tidewater,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Wetlands of the Greensprings Greenway (within shouting distance of this marker); The Powhatan Creek Watershed (within shouting distance of this marker); Birds at Greensprings (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ospreys (about 400 feet away); Arched Tree (about 600

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 14, 2026

2. Ephemeral Streams Marker

One of the puncheon bridges mentioned in the marker begins just past it.

feet away); The Virginia Wilderness (about 700 feet away); The New World Beckons (about 700 feet away); First English Settlement at Jamestown (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 13, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.