North Deer Island (Texas) facts for kids
 North Deer Island
Location in Texas
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Galveston Bay, Hitchcock, Texas, USA |
| Coordinates | 29°17′07″N 94°55′30″W / 29.28528°N 94.92500°W |
| Area | 0.583 km2 (0.225 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 5 ft (1.5 m) |
| Administration | |
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United States
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| State | Texas |
| County | Galveston County |
| City | Hitchcock |
North Deer Island is a special island in Galveston Bay, near Hitchcock, Texas. It's a wildlife sanctuary, which means it's a safe place for animals. The island is located in the U.S. state of Texas.
This natural island is about 144 acres (0.583 square kilometers) in size. It is one of the few natural islands left in West Galveston Bay. North Deer Island is very important for waterbirds. Many birds come here to build their nests and raise their young. Studies show that up to 40,000 pairs of birds nest on the island every year.
Protecting North Deer Island
North Deer Island is a crucial home for many birds. Because of this, people work hard to protect it. The island faces challenges like erosion. Erosion happens when land slowly wears away, often by water or wind.
Helping the Island Stay Strong
In 2009, several groups worked together to help the island. These groups included the Houston Audubon Society and the Harris & Eliza Kempner Fund. They received a special honor called the Coastal America Partnership Award.
This award recognized their efforts to protect the island. They helped build a breakwater. A breakwater is a barrier built in the water. It helps to slow down waves and protect the shoreline from erosion.
The groups also helped restore the wetlands around the island. Wetlands are areas of land covered by water, like marshes. They are important habitats for many plants and animals. The Coastal America Partnership Award is a top environmental award given by the President of the United States.
