Grape Island (West Virginia) facts for kids
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Ohio River, West Virginia, United States |
| Coordinates | 39°25′49″N 81°10′55″W / 39.4303530°N 81.1820571°W |
| Area | 0.07 sq mi (0.18 km2) |
| Administration | |
Grape Island is a special place located in the Ohio River in Pleasants County, West Virginia. This island is about 45 acres big, which is roughly the size of 34 football fields! It sits just off the coast from the small communities of Grape Island and Spring Run.
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Why is it Called Grape Island?
This island got its name from the many wild grapevines that used to grow all over it. Imagine a whole island covered in tasty grapes! Today, the island is mostly covered with trees, especially large American sycamores.
A Home for Wildlife
Grape Island is a very important place for many different animals. It's like a natural home for them.
Birds of Grape Island
Many kinds of birds live on or visit the island. You might spot:
- Great blue herons: These tall birds with long legs love to fish in the water.
- Wood ducks: These colorful ducks often nest in tree hollows.
- Cormorants: Birds that dive into the water to catch fish.
- Canada geese: Large, well-known geese that often fly in V-shapes.
- Loons: Diving birds known for their unique calls, especially during migration.
- Tundra swans: Big white swans that stop here on their long journeys.
Part of a Special Refuge
Because Grape Island has so many different types of wildlife, it is part of the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is a protected area that helps keep these animals and their homes safe. It's important to protect places like Grape Island so that wildlife can continue to thrive.
