Elba Island (Michigan) facts for kids
USGS aerial imagery of Elba Island
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 Elba Island
Location in Wayne County, Michigan
Elba Island
Location in Michigan
Elba Island
Location in the United States
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Michigan |
| Coordinates | 42°06′09″N 83°08′51″W / 42.10250°N 83.14750°W |
| Highest elevation | 591 ft (180.1 m) |
| Administration | |
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United States
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| State |  Michigan |
| County | Wayne |
Elba Island is a small piece of land in the Detroit River. It is located in Wayne County, which is in the southeast part of Michigan. The island's exact spot is 42°06′09″N 83°08′51″W / 42.10250°N 83.14750°W. In 1980, the United States Geological Survey measured its height as about 591 ft (180 m) above sea level. This island is a very important place for many kinds of fish. They come here to lay their eggs, a process called spawning.
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Discover Elba Island
Elba Island is a natural wonder in the busy Detroit River. Even though it's small, it plays a big role in the local environment. It's a quiet spot where nature thrives. The island helps keep the river healthy.
Location and Geography
Elba Island sits right in the middle of the Detroit River. This river connects Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair. The island is part of Michigan, specifically Wayne County. Its location makes it a key spot for wildlife.
The island's elevation is about 591 feet (180 meters). This measurement was taken by the U.S. Geological Survey. It shows how high the island rises from the river's surface.
Home to Many Fish
Elba Island is famous for being a fish nursery. Many different types of fish come to the waters around the island. They use this area to reproduce and start new generations. This makes the island very important for the river's ecosystem.
What is Spawning?
Spawning is how fish reproduce. Female fish lay their eggs, and male fish fertilize them. Fish often look for special places to spawn. These places need to be safe for the eggs and young fish. Elba Island provides just such a safe habitat.
Fish You Might Find
Many kinds of fish visit Elba Island to spawn. These include popular fish and some lesser-known ones. Here are some of the fish that use the island's waters:
- Northern pike: These are large, predatory fish.
- Goldfish: Yes, even goldfish can be found here!
- Carp: A common type of freshwater fish.
- Minnow: Small fish that are often food for bigger fish.
- Channel catfish: Known for their whiskers and tasty meat.
- Bullhead catfish: Another type of catfish, usually smaller than channel catfish.
- White bass: A popular sport fish.
- White crappie: Another common sport fish.
The presence of so many different fish shows how healthy the waters around Elba Island are. It's a vital spot for the life cycle of these amazing creatures. Protecting places like Elba Island helps keep our rivers full of fish for years to come.
