Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuge is one of four refuges that comprise the Eastern Virginia Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The Refuge is situated on the southwestern corner of the Chesapeake Bay in the City of Poquoson and is strategically located almost midpoint on the Atlantic Flyway. It consists of 3,501 acres of saltmarsh, shrub-scrub and wooded habitats that provide a haven for waterfowl, marsh-birds, and shorebirds.

Previously owned by the US Department of Defense, the area was used as a bombing range. Much of the area remains dotted with unexploded ordnance. Due of the unexploded ordnance hazard, Plum Tree Island Refuge is closed to the public for all purposes except permitted waterfowl hunting on the 200 acre Cow Island portion of the Refuge. Cow Island is adjacent to the main tract of the Refuge and was never used as a bombing range.

The island is closed to the public and has no motor vehicle access.