WILDLIFE & FISHING

The Laffertys have also made significant contributions to the conservation of wildlife in the area.  Their wildlife conservation efforts in conjunction with the efforts of King William County, Virginia, and The Commonwealth of Virginia have increased game for hunting in the area.  The  Lafferty’s efforts however, began long before ecology and  conservation became fashionable.  Mr. Lafferty’s son, Edgar R. Lafferty, III has continued the wildlife conservation efforts initiated by his parents.

Before the Laffertys acquired Elsing Green, Canadian Geese had left the fields and marshes of the Pamunkey and Mattaponi Rivers.  The Laffertys established the lands of Elsing Green as a wildlife refuge nearly forty years ago, and within five years,  geese and ducks returned to the area.  These fields and marshes are now protected from  development by perpetual easements.  For their efforts on behalf of wildlife conservation, the Laffertys have received awards from Ducks Unlimited and the Wildlife Department of the State of Virginia. 

Elsing Green also serves as a wildlife refuge for deer and fish.  On any given day scores of deer can be seen in fields surrounding Elsing Green and even on the lawns of the manor house.

Several of the ponds located on Elsing Green are stocked with large mouth bass from the Back Bay area, silver perch and bream.