Sycamore Island (Pennsylvania) facts for kids
Sycamore Island is a special island located in the Allegheny River in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. It sits next to Ninemile Island near the town of Blawnox.
This island is unique because it's an alluvial island, which means it was formed by soil and sand carried by the river. It's also the only privately owned island in Allegheny County that hasn't been developed with buildings or roads.
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What Makes Sycamore Island Special?
Sycamore Island is home to a very rare type of forest called a floodplain hardwood forest. This kind of forest grows in areas that sometimes flood, and it has many different kinds of trees and plants. These forests are becoming very uncommon around the world.
Why Is It Important to Nature?
Experts who study nature have recognized Sycamore Island as a very important place for plants and animals. It's part of something called the "Allegheny River Biological Diversity Area," which means it has a high number of different living things. This makes it a key spot for protecting nature.
How Sycamore Island Was Protected
For a long time, Sycamore Island was privately owned, but its future was uncertain. People worried it might be developed, which would harm its special forest and wildlife.
Who Helped Save the Island?
On December 28, 2007, a group called the Allegheny Land Trust bought the island. They wanted to make sure it would stay wild and protected forever. The money for this important purchase came from the Colcom Foundation, which fully funded the project.
Why Was This Purchase Important?
Roy Kraynyk, who was the Executive Director of the Allegheny Land Trust at the time, said that protecting Sycamore Island was a huge step. He explained that it would keep the island undeveloped and allow its natural benefits for education and recreation to be enjoyed for a long time. Carol Zagrocki from the Colcom Foundation also called it a "rare conservation opportunity," meaning it was a special chance to save something truly unique in the county.
By protecting Sycamore Island, we ensure that its rare forest and the animals that live there will be safe for future generations to learn about and enjoy.
