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Little Island (Napa County) facts for kids

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Little Island
Aerial image of an island.
USGS aerial imagery of Little Island
Little Island is located in San Francisco Bay Area
Little Island
Little Island
Location in San Francisco Bay Area
Little Island is located in California
Little Island
Little Island
Location in California
Little Island is located in the United States
Little Island
Little Island
Location in the United States
Geography
Location Northern California
Coordinates 38°10′48″N 122°21′05″W / 38.18000°N 122.35139°W / 38.18000; -122.35139 (Little Island)
Adjacent bodies of water Napa River
Highest elevation 3 ft (0.9 m)
Administration
United States
State  California
County Napa and Solano
Little Island, USGS map CA Cuttings Wharf 289711 1949 24000
Little Island as it appears on a 1951 USGS topographic map.
Napa River in Vallejo
An aerial view, looking toward the west, of the Napa River where it flows into San Pablo Bay through Vallejo. Islands visible include, from bottom of image: Mare, No. 1, Knight, Russ, No. 2, Green, Bull, Edgerly, Coon, Little, and Tubbs.

Little Island is a special marsh island located in the Napa Slough. This slough is a small waterway that branches off from the Napa River. The island is found just upstream from San Pablo Bay, which is a part of the larger San Francisco Bay.

Most of Little Island is in Napa County, California. However, a small part of its southern tip reaches into Solano County. This unique island is managed as part of the Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area. In 1981, the United States Geological Survey measured its elevation as only 3 feet (about 1 meter) above sea level. Its exact location is 38°10′48″N 122°21′05″W / 38.18000°N 122.35139°W / 38.18000; -122.35139 (Little Island).

What is a Marsh Island?

A marsh island like Little Island is a piece of land that is often wet. It is usually covered by water at high tide. These islands are made of mud and plants that can grow in salty or brackish water. Brackish water is a mix of fresh and saltwater.

Marsh islands are very important for nature. They act like natural filters for water. They also provide a safe home for many animals.

Why are Marshes Important?

Marshes are super important ecosystems. They help clean the water. They also protect the land from floods and storms. The plants in marshes trap mud and dirt. This helps keep the water clear.

They also provide a special habitat. Many different kinds of plants and animals live there.

Little Island's Location

Little Island is found in a quiet part of the Napa River system. The Napa River flows into San Pablo Bay. San Pablo Bay then connects to the huge San Francisco Bay. This area is known for its beautiful wetlands.

The island is mostly in Napa County. A small section is in Solano County. This means two different counties share the island.

Low-Lying Land

Little Island is very low to the ground. It is only about 3 feet (1 meter) above sea level. This low elevation means parts of the island are often underwater. Especially when the tides are high. This is normal for a marsh island.

A Home for Wildlife

Little Island is part of the Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area. This area is a protected space. It is set aside to help wildlife thrive. Wildlife areas are like nature parks. They are managed to keep animals and plants safe.

Many types of birds, fish, and other creatures use these marshes. They find food, shelter, and places to raise their young. Protecting places like Little Island helps keep these animals safe for the future.

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