Pond Island (Penobscot Bay) facts for kids
 Pond Island
Location in Maine
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Penobscot Bay |
| Coordinates | 44°17′36″N 68°48′29″W / 44.29333°N 68.80806°W |
| Area | 32 acres (13 ha) |
| Administration | |
| State | Maine |
| County | Hancock County |
| Town | Deer Isle |
Pond Island is a small island located in Penobscot Bay, off the coast of Maine, United States. It's about 32 acres in size, which is roughly the size of 24 football fields! This special island is looked after by the Maine Coast Heritage Trust. This means it's a protected area and is open for people to visit and enjoy. You can even find two small campsites there. Pond Island is also important because of its very old archaeological sites. These sites show that people lived on the island thousands of years ago. The island gets its name from a saltwater pond right in its middle.
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Exploring Pond Island
Pond Island is found in Penobscot Bay. It's located south of a town called Brooksville. It's also west of Little Deer Isle, which is part of the town of Deer Isle.
Island's Unique Shape
The island is made up of sand dunes that have joined together. There's a small hill, or knoll, on the island. At its center, you'll find the saltwater pond. This pond is connected to the bay by a channel where the tide flows in and out. The island stretches mostly from east to west. Off its western side, there's an even smaller island called John's Head. When the tide is low, you can walk between Pond Island and John's Head. The eastern part of Pond Island is slowly being worn away by the ocean.
Habitats and Wildlife
Pond Island has many different types of natural areas. You can find sandy dunes, salt marshes, forests, and open meadows. This mix of habitats makes it a perfect home for many different animals.
Birds of Pond Island
The island is especially important for shorebirds and wading birds. These birds love the mix of water and land. John's Head, the small islet nearby, is a very important place for birds to build their nests. Many gulls, eiders (a type of duck), and guillemots (a type of seabird) raise their young there.
Visiting the Island
If you want to visit, there are two small campsites available for public use. If you're planning to go with a large group, you'll need to ask for permission first. There's also a trail that leads to the highest point on the island, offering great views.
Island History and Protection
The area around the saltwater pond on Pond Island is very rich in history. Scientists have found many old artifacts there. These discoveries show that people have lived on the island for at least 2,000 years!
Protecting the Island
Around 1979, a group from Pennsylvania bought the island. This group was dedicated to protecting nature. In 1982, they gave Acadia National Park a special agreement to keep the island "forever wild." This means the island will always be protected and kept in its natural state. Later, in 1995, the island was given to the Maine Coast Heritage Trust, which continues to protect it today. Because of its important archaeological finds, Pond Island was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. This listing helps to make sure its history is preserved.
