Gravel Island (Wisconsin) facts for kids
Geography | |
---|---|
Location | Door County, Wisconsin |
Coordinates | 45°15′13″N 86°57′46″W / 45.2536003°N 86.9628926°W |
Area | 4 acres (1.6 ha) |
Highest elevation | 581 ft (177.1 m) |
Administration | |
State | Wisconsin |
County | Door County |
Town | Liberty Grove |
Gravel Island is a small island found in Lake Michigan. It is located near Ellison Bay in the town of Liberty Grove, Wisconsin. This island is part of the Gravel Island National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge also includes nearby Spider Island. Gravel Island is a special place because no people live there.
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About Gravel Island
Gravel Island is quite small, covering about 4 acres of land. That's roughly the size of three football fields! It sits in the northern part of Door County, Wisconsin. The island's highest point is about 581 feet above sea level.
Gravel Island National Wildlife Refuge
Gravel Island and Spider Island together form the Gravel Island National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge was created to protect important wildlife. It is a safe home for many birds, especially colonial waterbirds. These birds like to nest in large groups on islands.
Why the Refuge is Important
The refuge helps protect birds like herring gulls and double-crested cormorants. These birds need quiet, undisturbed places to lay their eggs and raise their young. Islands like Gravel Island are perfect because they are safe from many predators. The refuge makes sure these birds have a secure place to live.
Climate on the Island
The weather on Gravel Island changes a lot throughout the year. Summers are usually warm and pleasant. Winters, however, can be very cold with lots of snow. Spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and sometimes strong winds from Lake Michigan.