Yorktown in York County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

York River Ecosystem

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, April 20, 2013

1. York River Ecosystem Marker

Inscription. Plants and animals in the York River and its watershed provide many ecosystem services. Forests reduce sediment runoff and excess nutrients, and provide nesting sites for bald eagles, osprey, and herons. Underwater grass beds sustain the young of striped bass, blue crabs, and other aquatic species. Grass beds and tidal marshes also reduce shoreline erosion, particularly during storms. Plankton, tiny floating plants and animals, sustain the fish and shellfish that people like to eat. Development in the watershed, that removes natural buffers and allows sediment runoff, threatens to undermine the healthy workings of this intricate web.

The York River watershed contains more than 250 species of fish, 190 species of birds, 50 species of mammals, 36 species of reptiles, and 26 species of amphibians. In the warm months, the York River is home to sea turtles and marine mammals, including bottlenose dolphins, which are protected by federal law.

Photos courtesy of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Blue Crab by Stephen Salpuka; Osprey by Jon Lucy.

Erected 2010 by York County.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Waterways & Vessels.

Location.

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37° 14.286′ N, 76° 30.453′ W. Marker is in Yorktown, Virginia, in York County. It can be reached from Water Street west of Ballard Street (Virginia Route 1020), on the right when traveling west. Located along Yorktown's Riverwalk. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Yorktown VA 23690, 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,

and in the Tidewater.

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: The York River (here, next to this marker); Kiskiack (a few steps from this marker); Kiskiak Indians (within shouting distance of this marker); Virginia Institute of Marine Science (within shouting distance of this marker); The Historic Freight Shed (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lafayette’s Tour (about 300 feet away); Heavy Artillery at Yorktown (about 300 feet away); Wars & Yorktown (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Yorktown.

Other markers no longer nearby. USS Yorktown (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); Seat of the County of York (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Yorktown's Riverwalk image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher

2. Yorktown's Riverwalk

Credits. This page was last revised on November 14, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 21, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 512 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 21, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.