Muskingum Island facts for kids
Aerial view looking toward Muskingum Island.
|
|
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Ohio River, West Virginia |
| Coordinates | 39°22′12″N 81°30′11″W / 39.3700744°N 81.5031784°W |
| Administration | |
Muskingum Island is a long, narrow island located in the Ohio River. It's found in Wood County, West Virginia, sitting between the towns of Moore Junction, Ohio, and Boaz, West Virginia. This island is mostly covered with thick forests and even has some old oil wells on it.
Contents
Muskingum Island: A River Gem
Muskingum Island is a special type of island called a "bar island." Imagine a long, narrow sandbar that has grown big enough over time to become a permanent island. That's what Muskingum Island is! It stretches out in the middle of the Ohio River, which is one of the most important rivers in the United States.
The island's surface is mostly covered by trees, making it a green spot in the river. You might also notice some old oil wells there, which are structures used to extract oil from underground.
Protecting River Life
Muskingum Island plays an important role in protecting the wildlife of the Ohio River. Since 1995, a specific spot on the island has been used to check on the health of native mussel populations. Think of it like a regular check-up for the mussels!
This monitoring is part of a bigger effort by the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is a special place set up to protect the natural environment and animals along the Ohio River.
What are Mussels?
Mussels are fascinating creatures that live in water. They are a type of bivalve, meaning they have two shells that hinge together. Mussels are like natural filters for the river. They help keep the water clean by filtering out tiny particles as they eat.
Because mussels are so sensitive to water quality, their health can tell scientists a lot about how clean and healthy the river is. If the mussels are doing well, it's a good sign for the whole river ecosystem.
The Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge
The Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge is a unique wildlife area. Instead of being one big piece of land, it's made up of 22 islands and four pieces of mainland along 362 miles (583 kilometers) of the Ohio River. Muskingum Island is one of these important islands.
The refuge's main goal is to protect and restore the natural habitats for wildlife, especially migratory birds, endangered species, and freshwater mussels. By keeping these islands wild and healthy, the refuge helps many different animals and plants thrive.
