Russ Island facts for kids
USGS aerial imagery of Russ Island
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 Russ Island
Location in San Francisco Bay Area
Russ Island
Location in California
Russ Island
Location in the United States
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Northern California |
| Coordinates | 38°10′13″N 122°18′44″W / 38.17028°N 122.31222°W |
| Adjacent bodies of water | Napa River |
| Highest elevation | 3 ft (0.9 m) |
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United States
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| State |  California |
| County | Napa and Solano |
Russ Island is a unique island located in the Napa River in Northern California. It's special because it's mostly underwater, especially during high tide! This island is found upstream from San Pablo Bay, which is a part of the bigger San Francisco Bay.
The northern part of Russ Island is in Napa County, while its southern part is in Solano County. Even though it's often covered by water, it's an important part of the Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area. This area helps protect many different plants and animals. In 1981, the United States Geological Survey (a group that studies the Earth) measured its highest point at only 3 feet (about 1 meter) above sea level.
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What Makes Russ Island Special?
Russ Island is not like a typical island you might imagine with sandy beaches. Instead, it's a marshy island. This means it's made up of wetlands that are often flooded by water from the river and bay. Because it's so low, the tides play a big role in how much of the island you can see at any given time.
Where is Russ Island Located?
You can find Russ Island in the lower part of the Napa River. This river eventually flows into San Pablo Bay, which then connects to the large San Francisco Bay. Its location makes it a key spot in the network of wetlands that are important for the environment in California.
A Home for Wildlife
Russ Island is managed as part of the Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area. This wildlife area is a protected space for many different kinds of animals and plants. Marshlands like Russ Island provide a safe home for birds, fish, and other creatures. They are also important for keeping the water clean and healthy.
Why is it Mostly Underwater?
The main reason Russ Island is often submerged is its very low elevation. At just 3 feet above sea level, it's easily covered by the rising tides of the Napa River and San Pablo Bay. This natural flooding is normal for marsh islands and helps create the unique environment that many wetland species need to survive.
