Spider Island (Wisconsin) facts for kids
 Spider Island
Location in Wisconsin
Spider Island
Location in the United States
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Door County, Wisconsin |
| Coordinates | 45°12′34″N 86°58′33″W / 45.2094349°N 86.9759465°W |
| Area | 23 acres (9.3 ha) |
| Highest elevation | 587 ft (178.9 m) |
| Administration | |
| State | Wisconsin |
| County | Door County |
| Town | Liberty Grove |
Spider Island is a small island in Lake Michigan. It's a quiet place where no people live, making it a special home for wildlife. You can find this island near Ellison Bay, which is a town in Liberty Grove, Wisconsin.
Spider Island is part of something bigger called the Gravel Island National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is made up of two islands: Spider Island and its neighbor, Gravel Island. Spider Island is the larger of the two, covering about 23 acres (which is like 23 football fields!).
Contents
What is a Wildlife Refuge?
Protecting Nature's Home
A national wildlife refuge is a special area set aside by the government. Its main job is to protect wild animals and their homes. These places help make sure that different kinds of plants and animals can live safely. They are important for keeping nature healthy.
Why Spider Island is Protected
Spider Island is protected because it's a very important place for birds. Many different types of birds use the island for nesting. This means they build their nests there and raise their young. Protecting the island helps these birds survive and thrive.
Location and Surroundings
Where is Spider Island?
Spider Island is located in the northern part of Door County, Wisconsin. This county is famous for its beautiful coastline and many islands. The island sits in the waters of Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes.
The Great Lakes Connection
Lake Michigan is a huge freshwater lake in North America. It's so big it touches four different U.S. states. Islands like Spider Island are small pieces of land surrounded by these vast waters. They often have unique ecosystems because of their isolation.
Wildlife on the Island
Birds and More
Even though it's called Spider Island, it's mostly known for its birds! Many kinds of water birds, like gulls and cormorants, visit or live on the island. They find food in the lake and safe places to rest and nest on the island.
Uninhabited Means Wild
Since no people live on Spider Island, it remains a wild place. This helps the animals that call it home. They can live without being disturbed by human activities. It's a natural sanctuary where wildlife can truly be wild.
