Winter Island (California) facts for kids
An aerial photo of Winter Island (on the right). Browns Island is on the left of the image, and Antioch is on the bottom.
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 Winter Island
Location in Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta
Winter Island
Location in San Francisco Bay Area
Winter Island
Location in California
Winter Island
Location in the United States
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Suisun Bay |
| Coordinates | 38°02′35″N 121°50′56″W / 38.043°N 121.849°W |
| Area | 453 acres (183 ha) |
| Highest elevation | 0 m (0 ft) |
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United States
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| U.S. state | California |
| County | Contra Costa County |
Winter Island is a 453-acre island located in Suisun Bay, which is part of the western Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. It is also known as Ruckels Island. This island sits north of Pittsburg and is separated from Browns Island by a narrow waterway called a slough.
For many years, Winter Island was privately owned and had just one house. People used it for duck hunting, and it was also a natural wetland area. Sometimes, it was used as a place to dispose of material removed from the bottom of waterways, a process called dredging.
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A New Chapter for Winter Island
In 2016, the California Department of Water Resources bought Winter Island. Their main goal was to bring the island back to its natural state as a tidal marsh. A tidal marsh is a special type of wetland that is regularly flooded by ocean tides. These areas are very important for wildlife.
Who Manages the Island?
Winter Island is part of Contra Costa County. It is managed by a group called Reclamation District 2122. This group helps take care of the land and its environment.
Island History on Maps
The island has been known for a long time. It appeared on old maps from the 1850s. For example, an 1850 survey map of the San Francisco Bay area by Cadwalader Ringgold showed it as "Ruckels Island." Another map from 1854 by Henry Lange also included it.
Wildfires on the Island
Like many natural areas, Winter Island can experience wildfires. In 2014, a large wildfire broke out on the island. These fires can be a natural part of the ecosystem, but they can also cause damage.
Images for kids
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An aerial photo of Winter Island (on the right). Browns Island is on the left of the image, and Antioch is on the bottom.
