Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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| Location | Lake Michigan: Gull, Hat, Pismire, and Shoe islands Lake Huron: Charity, Little Charity, Scarecrow, and Thunder Bay islands |
| Area | 744.39 acres (3.0124 km2) |
| Established | 1943 |
| Governing body |  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge |
The Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge is a special place in the Great Lakes. It is made up of eight different islands in Michigan. The United States government owns these islands. They were set aside in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This was done to protect the amazing plants and animals that live there.
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Discover the Michigan Islands Refuge
This wildlife refuge is spread across two of the Great Lakes. It includes islands in both Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.
Islands of Lake Huron
Four islands are found in Lake Huron. They are Charity, Little Charity, Scarecrow, and Thunder Bay islands. These islands are important homes for wildlife.
Islands of Lake Michigan
The other four islands are in Lake Michigan. They are Gull, Hat, Pismire, and Shoe islands. These islands are part of a group called the Beaver Island archipelago. An archipelago is a group of islands.
How the Refuge is Managed
These islands are not very big. They are also far apart from each other. Because of this, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages them in a special way. Two larger wildlife refuges help take care of them. The Lake Huron islands are managed by the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. The Lake Michigan islands are managed by the Seney National Wildlife Refuge. This helps make sure all the islands get the care they need. Some islands, like Scarecrow and Thunder Bay, are also part of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. This means they are protected underwater too.
Protecting Nature's Treasures
The Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge was first created for migratory birds. These birds use the islands as resting spots during their long flights over the Great Lakes. Over time, people also noticed the special plants growing there.
Important Plant Life
The islands are home to unique plant life. Two very important plants are the Dwarf lake iris and Pitcher's thistle.
- The Dwarf Lake Iris is the state wildflower of Michigan.
- Both of these plants are considered threatened species in the United States. This means they are at risk of disappearing. Protecting these islands helps these rare plants survive.
Lighthouses on the Islands
You can find automated lighthouses on two of the islands. There are lighthouses on Charity and Thunder Bay Islands. These lighthouses help guide boats safely on the lakes.
Michigan Islands Wilderness Area
Some of the islands have an even higher level of protection. In 1970, Pismire, Scarecrow, and Shoe islands were named as wilderness areas. Together, they form the Michigan Islands Wilderness Area. This means they are kept as wild and untouched as possible. It helps protect their natural beauty and wildlife for the future.
