America's Wildest Places - Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge

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• published: 07 Dec 2013
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Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1990 to protect, conserve, and restore habitat for wildlife native to the river's floodplain. The refuge consists of twenty-two islands and three mainland tracts scattered along nearly 400 miles of the Ohio River. Most of the refuge's 3300 acres of land and underwater habitat are located in West Virginia; however, Pennsylvania and Kentucky each have two refuge islands. The refuge is important in conserving the "wild" Ohio in a river system occupied by many competing interests. Refuge islands are gradually returning to forested conditions after years of farming, oil and gas extraction, and other activities. Planning is underway to evaluate mainland wetlands and backwater areas for possible inclusion in the refuge. WILDLIFE & HABITAT The refuge's islands include habitats ranging from recently abandoned farm fields to pockets of old-growth timber. Small wetlands occupy areas on Middle and Grape islands. Prior to European settlement, impressive forests of giant sycamores, silver maple, cottonwood and other trees covered the islands in mature bottomland hardwood forest. Today, the refuge is working to restore this habitat through natural re-growth and tree planting. Refuge boundaries extend to underwater areas around islands in West Virginia and Kentucky. A range of shallow and deep water habitats add to the diverse character of the islands and their wildlife. Though silent and unseen on the bottom of the river, native freshwater mussels are a key group of refuge wildlife. Many of the forty species here favor the sand and gravel habitat associated with the islands. These fascinating animals depend on fish hosts to complete their life cycles. Two endangered mussels, the fanshell and the pink mucket, occur on the refuge. The islands offer birds places to feed and rest during migrations through the Ohio River corridor. Although many just pass through, some eighty bird species nest on the refuge, including tiny prothonotary and cerulean warblers. Great blue herons occupy several nesting rookeries, and osprey find abundant fish needed to raise their young. Winter brings another host of birds to the refuge, primarily waterfowl. Bufflehead, lesser scaup, and ring-necked ducks are common during some years. Bald eagles have been seen with increasing frequency during the past few years, especially during colder winters when northern feeding areas freeze over. Whether on land or in the water, refuge habitats and wildlife are threatened by invasive exotic plants and animals. Japanese knotweed and other plants take over disturbed ground. Zebra mussels attach to native mussels and compete with them for food. Combating these pests represents a huge challenge for the refuge. TRAVEL & TOURISM All refuge property is open to the public from an hour before sunrise to an hour after sunset. Main activities are wildlife viewing, photography, fishing and hunting. Several islands have sandy beaches which are a popular stop for boaters, especially during the summer. Getting There: Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge headquarters are located at 3982 Waverly Road outside of Williamstown, WV. From I-77 take exit #185; follow WV-14 (Highland Ave.) 1.3 miles; turn right onto Waverly Road (E. 4th St.); continue 1.9 miles to site. From Marietta, OH, cross Williamstown Bridge, take first left after DaVinci's Restaurant onto Waverly Road (E. 4th St.); continue 1.9 miles to site. From Vienna, WV, take WV-14 N to Williamstown, turn right onto Highland Ave; take first left onto Waverly Road (E. 4th St.): continue 1.9 miles to site Most refuge property is accessible only by boat, however, Middle Island adjacent to St. Marys, WV has bridge access from the mainland. From State Route 2 in St. Marys, turn onto George Street and continue two blocks to the island's bridge. Contact the refuge for information about locating other refuge properties. Yaroooh! for Kids | News - Magazine http://www.Yaroooh.com https://www.youtube.com/user/YarooohForKids