Gull Island (Charlevoix County, Michigan) facts for kids
 Gull Island
Location in Michigan
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Lake Michigan |
| Coordinates | 45°42′09″N 85°50′19″W / 45.70250°N 85.83861°W |
| Area | 230 acres (93 ha) |
| Highest elevation | 604 ft (184.1 m) |
| Administration | |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Charlevoix County |
| Township | St. James Township |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
Gull Island is a large, uninhabited island in Lake Michigan. It is located in St. James Township, which is part of Charlevoix County, Michigan. This island is the biggest of about twelve islands in Michigan that share the name "Gull Island."
The island is about 230 acres (0.9 square kilometers) in size. It is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This government agency helps protect wildlife and their habitats. Gull Island is part of the Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, which was created in 1943.
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Where is Gull Island?
Gull Island is quite isolated. It sits about 7 miles (11 kilometers) west of High Island (Michigan). High Island is also an uninhabited place. Gull Island is the largest of four islands in Lake Michigan that are part of the Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge. It is special because it is the only one with a large forest.
Nature and Wildlife on Gull Island
The island has a cool, humid climate. This type of weather helps certain trees grow well. You can find Balsam fir and northern whitecedar trees here. These trees are common in northern forests.
Gull Island also has beautiful natural features. On its north and east sides, you can find sandy beaches. There are also sand dunes, which are hills of sand shaped by the wind. These areas provide different habitats for plants and animals.
Protecting Gull Island
Gull Island is managed as a "satellite refuge." This means it is a smaller part of a larger wildlife refuge. It is connected to the Seney National Wildlife Refuge. The Seney refuge is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Managing Gull Island this way helps ensure its natural environment is protected.
Historical Event Near Gull Island
A significant event happened near Gull Island many years ago. On November 18, 1958, a large cargo ship called the SS Carl D. Bradley sank. This ship was a Lake freighter that carried limestone for steel mills. The accident happened about 12 miles southwest of Gull Island. Most of the 35 crew members on board were lost in the incident.
