Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge Location in the U.S. Virgin Islands Show map of the U.S. Virgin Islands Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge Location in Caribbean Show map of Caribbean
Location	Virgin Islands, United States
Nearest city	Charlotte Amalie, VI
Area	45 acres (0.18 km²)
Established	1969
Governing body	U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge Coordinates 18°16′41.5″N 64°53′33.6″W / 18.278194°N 64.892667°W / 18.278194; -64.892667 Year first constructed 1913 (first) Year first lit 1990s (current) Deactivated 1990s. (first) Foundation concrete basement Construction steel tower (first) metal skeletal tower (current) Tower shape square frustum tower with balcony and lantern (first) square prism skeletal tower with balcony and light (current) Markings / pattern white tower, black lantern (first) unpainted tower (current) Height 8 metres (26 ft) (first) 12 metres (39 ft) Focal height 42 metres (138 ft) (current) Range 8 nautical miles (15 km; 9.2 mi) Characteristic Fl W 4s. Admiralty number J5628 NGA number 14632 ARLHS number VIR-002 (first) USCG number 3-32565

Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge is a special protected area. It is located about 2 miles (4 km) south of St. Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands. This refuge helps protect nature and wildlife.

It's important to know there are two "Buck Islands" in the Virgin Islands. This refuge is on the one near St. Thomas. The other Buck Island is near Saint Croix and is part of a different protected area called Buck Island Reef National Monument. Next to the refuge is Capella Island, which is owned by the local government.

What Makes Buck Island Special?

Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge covers about 45 acres (0.18 km²). It has a unique environment. You'll find thorny bushes and plants, along with a rocky coastline. The waters around the island are filled with amazing coral reefs.

A lighthouse stands tall on the island. It helps guide ships and is still looked after by the United States Coast Guard.

Why Is It Protected?

Buck Island was made a wildlife refuge because it is very important for migratory birds. These are birds that travel long distances. The land was given to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in two parts. The U.S. Navy transferred some land in 1969. The rest came from the Coast Guard in 1981.

Exploring the Underwater World

The waters around Buck Island are truly beautiful. They are home to vibrant coral reefs. There is also an artificial reef, which is an old shipwreck. These underwater areas attract many different kinds of fish and marine animals.

One of the most important animals found here is the sea turtle. Several types of endangered sea turtles live in these waters.

Turtle Cove: A Sea Turtle Hotspot

On the northwest side of Buck Island is a place called Turtle Cove. This area is known for having many sea turtles. It's a great spot to see them swimming in their natural home.

Visiting Buck Island

You can see Buck Island from St. Thomas by boat. Many tours offer trips to the island. These trips often include fun activities like snorkeling and diving. You can explore the beautiful reefs and maybe even spot some sea turtles.

Tours to Turtle Cove are also available from both St. John and St. Thomas. It's a wonderful way to experience the island's marine life up close.

Who Manages Buck Island?

Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. It is part of a larger group of protected areas. This group is called the Caribbean Islands National Wildlife complex. They work to protect wildlife and their habitats across the Caribbean islands.