St. Vital Island facts for kids
 St. Vital Island
Location in Michigan
St. Vital Island
Location in the United States
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Big Bay de Noc, Lake Michigan |
| Coordinates | 45°47′59″N 86°45′35″W / 45.7996956°N 86.7598609°W |
| Highest elevation | 587 ft (178.9 m) |
| Administration | |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Delta County |
| Township | Bay De Noc Township |
St. Vital Island is a small, special island located in Big Bay de Noc. This bay is part of Lake Michigan, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world! The island is found in Bay De Noc Township, which is in Delta County, Michigan.
St. Vital Island is about 20.52 acres in size. To give you an idea, that's roughly the size of 15 football fields! It's also very close to the mainland, less than half a mile from the Stonington Peninsula shore.
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Discovering St. Vital Island
St. Vital Island is a unique place because no people live there. It is an uninhabited island, meaning it's a wild space for nature to thrive. The island is owned by the United States Forest Service. This means it's protected and managed by the government to keep its natural beauty and wildlife safe.
Part of a National Forest
The island is actually a part of the Hiawatha National Forest. National Forests are large areas of land that are protected for many reasons. They help keep our air and water clean, provide homes for animals, and offer places for people to enjoy nature. Being part of the Hiawatha National Forest helps ensure St. Vital Island remains a safe haven for its animal residents.
Wildlife on St. Vital Island
Even though no humans live on St. Vital Island, it is home to some amazing birds! The island is a very important spot for a small group of nesting birds.
Common Terns
One type of bird that nests on the island is the Common tern. These are graceful birds known for their long, pointed wings and for diving into the water to catch fish. They often nest in colonies, which means many of them build their nests close together. St. Vital Island provides a safe place for them to lay their eggs and raise their young.
Black-crowned Night Herons
Another interesting bird found nesting on St. Vital Island is the Black-crowned night heron. As their name suggests, these herons are most active at night or during twilight hours. They have a stocky body, short legs, and a black cap on their head. Like the terns, they rely on the island's quiet and protected environment to build their nests and raise their chicks away from disturbances.
The presence of these bird colonies makes St. Vital Island a special place for wildlife conservation. It shows how even small, uninhabited islands can play a big role in supporting different animal species.
