Kirkland Island facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Geography of Kirkland Island |
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| Continent | North America |
| Region | Lower Mainland British Columbia |
| Coordinates | 49°06′42.3″N 123°06′07.6″W / 49.111750°N 123.102111°W to 49°06′53.1″N 123°05′09.7″W / 49.114750°N 123.086028°W |
| Lowest point | Sea Level |
Kirkland Island, also known as Rose-Kirkland Island, is a unique island in British Columbia, Canada. It is part of a small group of islands called the South Arm Marshes. These islands are located within the Fraser River, near the cities of Richmond, British Columbia and Delta, British Columbia. Kirkland Island is the northernmost island in this special group.
The island is about 1.5 miles long. It is mostly made of rich soil and sand brought by the river. A small water channel separates it from Rose Island to the south. Sometimes, people refer to them together as Rose-Kirkland Island. No one lives on Kirkland Island. It is managed by the Kirkland Island Waterfowl Society, and people are not allowed to visit.
All the islands in this group, including Kirkland, Woodward, Barber, Duck, Rose, Gunn, and Williamson Islands, are protected. They are part of the Agricultural Land Reserve. This means they are kept for farming or wildlife. The British Columbia Ministry of Environment manages them as the South Arm Marshes Wildlife Management Area.
Since 2009, important work has been done at Rose-Kirkland Island. Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and Port Metro Vancouver (PMV) worked together to improve the area for fish. Port Metro Vancouver gave $1.5 million for this project. This was part of a bigger plan to help wildlife habitat. The project helped make up for habitat lost due to the Deltaport Third Berth Project.
The work included making new channels for the tides to flow in and out. This helps create a better home for fish. They also raised some dikes (walls) to stop flooding on the island's fields. They dug out some pool areas to help the tides move water. Also, they strengthened the riverbanks with rocks to protect against waves from boats.
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Island Ownership and Management
Kirkland Island gets its name from John Kirkland. He was a resident of Ladner, British Columbia. His family owned a lot of land in the Surrey, British Columbia and Delta, British Columbia areas.
Until 1960, Kirkland and Rose islands were privately owned. Then, ownership was given to the Kirkland Island Waterfowl Society. In 1989, The Nature Trust and its partners bought the islands. They then leased them to the B.C. Ministry of Environment. The ministry allows the Kirkland Island Waterfowl Society to manage the land for farming. This helps attract and support many migrating waterfowl (ducks and geese). In return, the society can use the islands as a hunting club.
Amazing Animals of Kirkland Island
Many different animals live on or visit Kirkland Island and the South Arm Marshes. Some live there all the time, while others just pass through.
Birds of the Marshes
- Loons and Grebes: Many types of loons and grebes visit the South Arm Marshes. You can see them especially during spring and fall. Common types include the common loon, red-throated loon, and western grebe.
- Great Blue Herons: These tall, graceful birds are easy to spot all year round.
- Ducks and Geese: Many ducks and geese live here all year. But you'll see the most during spring and fall migrations. Common ducks are mallard ducks and northern pintail ducks. Snow geese are also here in large numbers in March and April.
- Bald Eagles: Bald eagles build their nests all along the Fraser River.
- Hawks: You'll see many hawks when migrating waterfowl stop here. Types include the northern harrier hawk and red-tailed hawk.
- Falcons: Peregrine falcons are often seen hunting smaller birds.
- Shorebirds: When the tide is low, shorebirds visit the mud flats and marsh areas. This is especially true during migration times.
- Songbirds: Many different songbirds can be seen all year. You'll find the most types in late spring and summer. Common ones include the marsh wren and song sparrow.
Mammals and Marine Life
- Mammals: The South Arm Marshes are home to beavers and muskrats. You might also see raccoons and mink.
- Seals and Sea Lions: Harbour seals are in the Fraser River channels all year. In the spring, you can also see California sea lions. They are easiest to spot when fish are running.
Plants of Kirkland Island
Kirkland Island and the Wildlife Management Area have some rare plants. These include Hendersons Checker-mallow, Rice Cutgrass (Leersia oryzoides), and Western St. John’s Wort (Hypericum scouleri).
