Calf Island (Connecticut) facts for kids
 Calf Island
Location in Connecticut
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Long Island Sound |
| Coordinates | 40°59′35″N 73°38′22″W / 40.993°N 73.6395°W |
| Area | 27.5 acres (11.1 ha) |
| Administration | |
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USA
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| State | Connecticut |
| City | Greenwich |
Calf Island is a special island in Long Island Sound, off the coast of Greenwich, Connecticut. It's about 27.5 to 31.5 acres in size. That's like 20 to 30 football fields! The island is about 3,000 feet (914 meters) from the shore. At low tide, you can even walk to nearby Shell Island. Calf Island is open for visitors, but it's not usually crowded.
This island is the biggest one in the waters around Greenwich. More than half of the island, on the west side, is a special place for birds. It's a bird sanctuary, meaning people can't go there without special permission. The east side of the island is open from sunrise to sunset. If you have a permit, you can even stay overnight!
Calf Island is home to many cool animals and plants. You might see cowbirds, yellow warblers, starlings, and catbirds. Look out for diamondback terrapins, ospreys, and Canada geese. Big white birds like great egrets and snowy egrets also visit. The island has different kinds of trees, including sassafras, hickory, maple, and beech trees.
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Exploring Calf Island
Many groups love to visit Calf Island for fun and learning! The Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich often brings kids here. Groups like Audubon Greenwich and SoundWaters also organize trips. Church groups and high school sports teams enjoy coming to the island too.
In 2006, the Greenwich parks department even offered special "Cruise to Nowhere" trips. These boat rides would take people directly to Calf Island for a visit. It's a great spot for outdoor adventures and learning about nature.
Who Manages the Island?
Calf Island became part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge in 2003. This refuge is a group of islands owned by the federal government. These islands stretch for about 70 miles (113 kilometers) along the Connecticut coastline. They go from Greenwich all the way to Westbrook.
When the federal government bought the island, some groups had concerns. The Calf Island Community Trust, Inc., worried that visitors might need permits for some activities. But even with these concerns, the island was purchased.
A volunteer group called Calf Island Conservation, Inc., helps take care of the island. They work hard to keep it beautiful and improve its facilities. For example, in 2005 and 2006, they spent $65,000 on the island. They plan to make upgrades to bathrooms, buildings, trails, and even the docking areas. Their efforts help make Calf Island a great place for everyone to enjoy!
