2 More Islands Will Be Added To Green Bay Wildlife Refuge

Two islands off the northern tip of Door County are being added to the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

The Nature Conservancy has bought the tiny Rocky Island and most of the larger St. Martin Island. The islands are part of the Grand Traverse chain in Lake Michigan between Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula, known as Lake Michigan’s “Stepping Stones.” Both of them have been turned over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Nicole Van Helden, who directs the Conservancy’s Green Bay watershed, said the islands are home to a host of species like snails, dragonflies, bats, plants and fish. Van Helden said they’re also an important stopping point for migratory birds.

“Having these islands protected in perpetuity ensures that there are these stopover places for them to land, whether they need to stop and rest or refuel, or if there’s bad weather,” said Van Helden.

The islands were purchased for below market value.

Access to the islands is closed for the time being. It’s up to the Fish and Wildlife Service to determine future public useage.