Flower Island (San Juan Islands) facts for kids
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | San Juan County, Washington |
| Coordinates | 48°32′40″N 122°51′14″W / 48.5445462°N 122.8537900°W |
| Archipelago | San Juan |
| Administration | |
Flower Island is a small, rocky island found in the San Juan Islands chain. These islands are located in San Juan County, Washington, in the USA. It is a special place because no people live there.
The island is quite small, covering about 4.6 acres (or 1.9 hectares). It is mostly made of rocks and has very few plants growing on it. Even though it's small and rocky, it's an important spot for local wildlife.
About Flower Island
Flower Island is part of a group of islands called the San Juan Islands. It sits off the coast near Spencer Spit State Park. This island is known for being a popular nesting place for gulls. Gulls are a type of seabird often seen near the ocean.
A Bit of History
In the 1930s, a family named the Schmoes spent two summers living on Flower Island. Floyd and Ruth Schmoe, along with their children, stayed there while Floyd Schmoe was studying at the Friday Harbor Laboratories.
At that time, the island was not officially listed for taxes. This meant the Schmoes could claim "squatters' rights." This is a old idea where people could claim land if they lived on it and used it, especially if no one else owned it officially.
Protecting the Island
Today, Flower Island is a protected area. It is part of the San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is a special place set aside to protect wildlife and their homes.
The island is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This government agency works to protect and manage wildlife and their natural environments. To keep the island safe for the birds and other animals, people are not allowed to visit Flower Island. Boats also cannot come closer than 200 yards (about 183 meters) to the shore. This helps make sure the wildlife is not disturbed.
