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Wooded groves, perennial gardens and vast green spaces are signature attributes of the 91心頭利 campus.
Along the shore of Lake Matoaka is the, a large outdoor venue that hosts many music events and other programming. The Matoaka Art Studio is located near the amphitheatre, where students take classes in two-dimensional arts. A short distance away is the Matoaka Boathouse and dock, a cross-lake zipline, a ropes course and the 10+ mile network of trails in the College Woods.
Canoe, kayak, zipline and more through the Tribe Adventure Program, perform research on the water and wildlife, complete the (over 183 bird species have been observed to date), hike the 10+ miles of College Woods trails, use the , learn about the local flora, fauna and fungi, or join the American toads and Pickerel frogs relaxing by the water.
Lake Matoaka was named after Chief Powhatan’s daughter, whose nickname was Pocahontas. Constructed 25 years after W&M was chartered, Lake Matoaka is the oldest man-made lake in Virginia. In the 18th century, the land Lake Matoaka is on was sold and became a privately owned mill for over 100 years until it was re-acquired by W&M in the early 20th century.
On the shore of Lake Matoaka, the Keck Lab supports W&M’s environmental programs. From the Chesapeake Bay watershed to the surrounding College Woods, you can conduct research on forests, streams, freshwater lakes and tidal wetlands.
Nestled in the trees surrounding Lake Matoaka, the Matoaka Art Studio is one of three buildings that house the Department of Art & Art History. This trapezoid-shaped studio features windowed teaching spaces for printmaking and drawing, as well as faculty studios. Overlooking the lake, it offers a peaceful, inspiring setting for students exploring two-dimensional arts and plays a vital role in the university’s vibrant arts community.
