Conservation Crescent

F.
 Calf Island
The name of this island originates from its use by Grosse Ile farmers in the late 19th century, who put caves here to graze free from predators.  Owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the island has wetland habitat, upland forest, and an area of open meadow.

G.

 Celeron Island
Named after 18th century French explorer Louis Bienville de Celeron, this island is owned by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources as part of the Pointe Mouillee Game Area.  Deep shoreline undulations provide calm-water bays worthy of exploration.  Great Blue Heron are commonly sited on a shoal between Calf and Celeron Island.

H.

Grosse Ile Nature Area
This land once housed a Navy Seaplane Base (1927) and NIKE Missile site (1954-1963).  It is now owned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and managed by the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy, a group dedicated to environmental rehabilitation of the site.  One of the northernmost American Lotus beds graces the shore of this property.

27.

 Grosse lle Nature Area
Existing Conditions: A primitive launch point, heavily shrouded by lotus, lies west of an abandoned seaplane pad.  Permission is required from the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy.

Recommendations: Establish a new public soft shore launch in the immediate area that is less obstructed by lotus.

I.

 Sugar Island
An amusement park began operating on Sugar Island circa 1880 with its popularity peaking in the early 1900s.  It languished during the Great Depression and finally failed in 1936 when the Tashmoo, a visitor transport ferry, sank after colliding with a rock.  The island is now forested with sandy beaches on both sides.

J.

 Stony Island
In the late 1800s, a railroad from the U. S. mainland crossed the Trenton Channel, Grosse Ile, and a part of the river before ending on Stony Island.  From there, freight and passengers were ferried to Amherstberg, completing their trip to Canada.