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The Flickr site is brought to you courtesy of Seney Natural History Association.
Spider. Credit: Mark Vaniman, USFWS.
Moss covers a rock. Credit: Mark Vaniman, USFWS.
A striped maple also known as a moosewood. Credit: Mark Vaniman, USFWS.
One-eyed Northern Leopard Frog. Credit: Jennifer McDonough, USFWS.
Staff using a Global Positioning Unit (GPS). Credit: Mark Vaniman, USFWS.
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Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is located just off the northwest shore of Drummond Island in Potagannissing Bay on Lake Huron. Managed by Seney NWR, the 695-acre horseshoe-shaped island hosts a variety of habitats and wildlife. Harbor Island was obtained from The Nature Conservancy in 1984 as part of the Unique Ecosystem Program.
Refuge habitats include a marsh-lined harbor in the center, sandy beaches, and mature stands of balsam fir, white cedar, paper birch, sugar maple and red oak. The gently rolling terrain of the island peaks around 100 feet above the level of the lake. Soils consist of shallow organics or sands over dolomite rock. Sixteen species of mammals, seven species of reptiles and amphibians, and 126 species of birds have been observed on the island. Resident wildlife species include fox, grouse, snowshoe hare, white-throated sparrows, white-tailed deer, gray jays and magnolia warblers. Gray Wolves from St. Joseph Island, Ontario are thought to hunt the island during winter months. Of special note is that in 1965-1978 Louis Benua visited Harbor Island and nearby islands and noted a number of large predators, including Canada Lynx. For more information see the 1978 Harbor Island Report conducted for The Nature Conservancy.
The Refuge is not staffed and is managed by the Seney National Wildlife Refuge near Seney, Michigan. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday. There is no entrance fee. If you would like to contact the Refuge you may email harborisland@fws.gov or call (906) 586-9851.
Allowable Activities:
- Harbor Island NWR is open during daylight hours only.
- Access to the island is by private boat.
- Fishing is permitted in Lake Huron and is regulated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
- White-tailed Deer and Black Bear hunting is permitted according to state regulations.
- Hiking, swimming, picnicking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, wildlife observation, photography, mushroom hunting, and fruit picking are welcomed.
- Fires, camping, and off road vehicles are not permitted on the island.
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Snake eating an American Toad. Credit: Mark Vaniman, USFWS.
Northern Water Snake. Credit: Mark Vaniman, USFWS.
North Bay. Credit: Mark Vaniman, USFWS.
Hardwood forest on Harbor Island. Credit: Mark Vaniman, USFWS.
Leaving Harbor Island's bay. Credit: USFWS.
Staff pause for a brief break on the shore of Harbor Island. Credit: Mark Vaniman, USFWS.
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