Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge |
|
|---|---|
|
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
|
|
 Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Location in New York
Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Nassau County, New York, United States |
| Nearest city | Oyster Bay, New York |
| Area | 3,209 acres (12.99 km2) |
| Established | 1968 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge |
The Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a special protected area on the north shore of Long Island, New York. It used to be called just the Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge has amazing water environments that are perfect homes for many different kinds of water-loving animals.
The waters and marshy areas of the refuge are right next to Sagamore Hill National Historic Site. This historic site was once the home of Theodore Roosevelt. He was a president who helped create the whole National Wildlife Refuge System in the United States.
Contents
Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge
This refuge was set up in 1968 to protect its unique marine life. It covers about 3,209 acres of land and water. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service manages this important natural space.
What is a Wildlife Refuge?
A wildlife refuge is a place where wild animals and their homes are protected. It's like a safe haven for nature. The goal is to make sure these animals can live and thrive without being disturbed too much by people.
The Oyster Bay refuge has lots of underwater areas, called subtidal habitats. These are places that are always covered by water, even at low tide. These underwater spots are full of tiny sea creatures, shellfish, and many types of fish.
Home to Amazing Animals
The small sea creatures and fish in the refuge are a big part of the food chain. They provide food for many other animals. This includes waterfowl (like ducks and geese), birds that eat fish, and even marine mammals.
Lots of waterfowl visit the refuge from October to April. Sometimes, over 20,000 ducks have been counted there at once! More than 25 types of waterfowl and many other waterbirds rely on Oyster Bay to survive.
You might also spot some marine mammals here. Harbor seals are often seen, and they have become more common recently. Sometimes, Sea turtles and diamondback terrapins (a type of turtle that lives in brackish water) can also be seen swimming around.
A Special Place for Oysters
Did you know that New York State's only working commercial oyster farm is located right here in the refuge? This farm is very important because it produces 90% of all the oysters harvested in the state! It shows how important this protected area is for both nature and local industries.
