Norwalk Islands
Encyclopedia
The Norwalk Islands are a chain of more than 25 islands amid partly submerged boulders, reefs and mudflats along a six-mile (10 km) stretch and mostly about a mile off the coast of Norwalk, Connecticut
and southwest Westport, Connecticut
, in Long Island Sound
.
The islands are used for several different types of recreational activities, including camping, boating, kayaking, swimming, bird watching. Ownership of the islands varies, with about a half dozen held in private hands, some owned by the governments of Norwalk or Westport and some are part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge
.
Various laws protect the islands, including town ordinances, the Coastal Barrier Resources Act
, the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966
, and the Endangered Species Act
. On a clear day, Manhattan's skyscrapers are visible.
Geologists generally consider the islands to be terminal moraines—material left by glaciers—deposited about 17,500 years ago as the ice cap paused in its retreat northward. Above water, the moraines are characterized by various rocks, gravel, sand, silt and clay, sometimes sorted out by waves. The Captain islands in Greenwich
to the west are part of the same moraine (but not the Fish islands in Darien
), and submerged parts of the same moraine are located between the Norwalk Islands and Charles Island, off of Milford
, to the east. (That island is probably part of the Hammonasset-Ledyard Moraine.)
Some historians have speculated that rocks from the islands were used as ballast for sailing ships returning to New York, where the rocks may have been used for cobblestones.
The South Western Regional Planning Agency published a brochure for kayakers describing a "Norwalk Islands Canoe and Kayak Trail" showing full-day and half-day loops. Guided tours are also available by kayak.
In duck-hunting season, hunters may hunt below the mean high-tide line. Deer can be hunted on the privately owned islands with the owner's permission.
Flora include thorn thickets, wild blackberries, black cherry, bittersweet, sassafras, juniper and honeysuckle.
Many birds are found on Sheffield Island and more than elsewhere, according to a brochure published in 2001 by the South Western Regional Planning Agency, but according to a July 2007 article in Darien, New Canaan & Rowayton magazine, Cockenoe island is now the largest home for birds, who have been in decline on the other islands. Sheffield Island, according to the planning agency brochure, has a "considerable nesting potential" for osprey, herons and other migratory species. Many wading birds, shore birds songbirds and terns live on the island, including the endangered roseate tern. Brant, scoters, black duck and other waterfowl can be found in the waters surrounding the island.
. The island is part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge.
The north and west coasts of the island are gravely, and boulders are strewn along the south and east coasts. Although boaters may land at the three-acre beach at the northwest shore during the day, year round, access to the rest of the island is restricted from April 1 to August 15 each year (bird-nesting season). No overnight camping is allowed. Chimon Island is at 41.065°N 73.39°W.
Overnight camping is allowed by the town Conservation Department, but for only four parties per night. Cockenoe Island is at 41.085°N 73.355°W.
, a Congressional Medal of Honor
recipient from Norwalk who died in the Vietnam War
. Owned by Norwalk city government, the island is just northeast of Sheffield Island and about 4000 yards (3,657.6 m) south of Manressa Island.
Along with Grassy Island, Shea is open to the public from May through Columbus Day, and campers with a permit can stay overnight. Two solar-powered restrooms are available in season, and there are 16 campsites. The entire shoreline is strewn with rocks and boulders, making it a more difficult place to approach by boat. Shea Island is at 41.0595°N 73.402°W.
Many bird species nest on the island. Sheffield is also one of the best places to see seals. The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
organizes boat trips circling the islands, including a cruise to see the fall foliage and a winter cruise to see harbor seals and waterfowl (see Wildlife section for more information).
Part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, the island is controlled by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which closes it to the public most of the year in order to protect the bird nesting areas, The public is usually restricted to the 3.5 acres (1.4 ha) around the Sheffield Island Light
, which the Norwalk Seaport Association maintains, although a 2000 yards (1,828.8 m) trail has been created to allow the public controlled access. In the summer, the association arranges tours for people to visit the lighthouse and picnic there. On Thursday nights, clambake
s and sunset cruises are held. The lighthouse, built in 1868, was a navigational aid until about 1900. Sheffield Island is at 41.052°N 73.415°W.
Norwalk, Connecticut
Norwalk is a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of the city is 85,603, making Norwalk sixth in population in Connecticut, and third in Fairfield County...
and southwest Westport, Connecticut
Westport, Connecticut
-Neighborhoods:* Saugatuck – around the Westport railroad station near the southwestern corner of the town – a built-up area with some restaurants, stores and offices....
, in Long Island Sound
Long Island Sound
Long Island Sound is an estuary of the Atlantic Ocean, located in the United States between Connecticut to the north and Long Island, New York to the south. The mouth of the Connecticut River at Old Saybrook, Connecticut, empties into the sound. On its western end the sound is bounded by the Bronx...
.
The islands are used for several different types of recreational activities, including camping, boating, kayaking, swimming, bird watching. Ownership of the islands varies, with about a half dozen held in private hands, some owned by the governments of Norwalk or Westport and some are part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge
Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge
The Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge is a National Wildlife Refuge in ten units across the U.S. state of Connecticut. Located in the Atlantic Flyway, the refuge spans of Connecticut coastline and provides important resting, feeding, and nesting habitat for many species of wading...
.
Various laws protect the islands, including town ordinances, the Coastal Barrier Resources Act
Coastal Barrier Resources Act
The Coastal Barrier Resources Act of the United States was enacted October 18, 1982. The United States Congress passed this Act in order to address the many problems associated with coastal barrier development. CBRA designated various undeveloped coastal barriers, which were illustrated by a...
, the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966
National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966
The provided guidelines and directives for administration and management of all areas in National Wildlife Refuge system including "wildlife refuges, areas for the protection and conservation of fish and wildlife that are threatened with extinction, wildlife ranges, game ranges, wildlife management...
, and the Endangered Species Act
Endangered Species Act
The Endangered Species Act of 1973 is one of the dozens of United States environmental laws passed in the 1970s. Signed into law by President Richard Nixon on December 28, 1973, it was designed to protect critically imperiled species from extinction as a "consequence of economic growth and...
. On a clear day, Manhattan's skyscrapers are visible.
Geologists generally consider the islands to be terminal moraines—material left by glaciers—deposited about 17,500 years ago as the ice cap paused in its retreat northward. Above water, the moraines are characterized by various rocks, gravel, sand, silt and clay, sometimes sorted out by waves. The Captain islands in Greenwich
Greenwich, Connecticut
Greenwich is a town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. As of the 2010 census, the town had a total population of 61,171. It is home to many hedge funds and other financial service companies. Greenwich is the southernmost and westernmost municipality in Connecticut and is 38+ minutes ...
to the west are part of the same moraine (but not the Fish islands in Darien
Darien, Connecticut
Darien is a town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. A relatively small community on Connecticut's "Gold Coast", the population was 20,732 at the 2010 census. Darien was listed at #9 at CNN Money's list of "top-earning towns" in the United States as of 2011...
), and submerged parts of the same moraine are located between the Norwalk Islands and Charles Island, off of Milford
Milford, Connecticut
Milford is a coastal city in southwestern New Haven County, Connecticut, United States, located between Bridgeport and New Haven. The population was 52,759 at the 2010 census...
, to the east. (That island is probably part of the Hammonasset-Ledyard Moraine.)
Some historians have speculated that rocks from the islands were used as ballast for sailing ships returning to New York, where the rocks may have been used for cobblestones.
Kayaking
The islands are popular with kayakers, with some paddling all the way from New York City. Tidal currents are gentle, the mainland is always visible and the electric power plant on Manressa Island helps with navigation (although if fog hits it can cause sudden and complete disorientation). Public boat launches and beaches are nearby, and some businesses in Norwalk rent kayaks.The South Western Regional Planning Agency published a brochure for kayakers describing a "Norwalk Islands Canoe and Kayak Trail" showing full-day and half-day loops. Guided tours are also available by kayak.
Fishing, clamming and hunting
Striped bass, bluefish, fluke, flounder, false albacore, bonito, trout, and dogfish can be caught off the islands. Some clamming beds off the islands are seeded.In duck-hunting season, hunters may hunt below the mean high-tide line. Deer can be hunted on the privately owned islands with the owner's permission.
Bird watching
Rookeries were previously on many of the islands, but now most are on Cockenoe. Herons, egrets, black cormorants can be seen on Cockenoe.Wildlife
Deer swim to the islands. Harbor seals are increasingly seen at the southwest end of Sheffield Island, although authorities have asked boaters to remain at least 50 yards (45.7 m) from them in order not to disturb them (kayaks are about the same size as some seal predators). The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits harassing the animals and sets limits on how close observers may get.Flora include thorn thickets, wild blackberries, black cherry, bittersweet, sassafras, juniper and honeysuckle.
Many birds are found on Sheffield Island and more than elsewhere, according to a brochure published in 2001 by the South Western Regional Planning Agency, but according to a July 2007 article in Darien, New Canaan & Rowayton magazine, Cockenoe island is now the largest home for birds, who have been in decline on the other islands. Sheffield Island, according to the planning agency brochure, has a "considerable nesting potential" for osprey, herons and other migratory species. Many wading birds, shore birds songbirds and terns live on the island, including the endangered roseate tern. Brant, scoters, black duck and other waterfowl can be found in the waters surrounding the island.
Chimon Island
At 59 acres (23.9 ha) Chimon is the largest of the islands and is located in the middle of the group and a bit less than a mile to the southeast of the entrance to Norwalk HarborNorwalk Harbor
Norwalk Harbor is a recreational and commercial harbor and seaportat the estuary of the Norwalk River where it flows into Long Island Soundin Norwalk, Connecticut, United States.The last portion of the Norwalk River from the head of navigation...
. The island is part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge.
The north and west coasts of the island are gravely, and boulders are strewn along the south and east coasts. Although boaters may land at the three-acre beach at the northwest shore during the day, year round, access to the rest of the island is restricted from April 1 to August 15 each year (bird-nesting season). No overnight camping is allowed. Chimon Island is at 41.065°N 73.39°W.
Cockenoe Island
Owned by the Westport town government, the island (Pronounced "kah-KEE-nee") has almost all the bird rookeries in the chain. Herons, egrets, black cormorants can be seen on Cockenoe. The cormorants' guano, which leaves some of the rocks white, is toxic to the trees and kills them off after the birds nest in a spot for less than a year.Overnight camping is allowed by the town Conservation Department, but for only four parties per night. Cockenoe Island is at 41.085°N 73.355°W.
Shea Island
Once called "Ram Island", the 45 acres (18.2 ha) isle was renamed after Daniel SheaDaniel J. Shea
Daniel John Shea was a soldier in the US Army who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions and sacrifice of life during the Vietnam for actions occurring in the Quang Tri Province on May 14, 1969....
, a Congressional Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
recipient from Norwalk who died in the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
. Owned by Norwalk city government, the island is just northeast of Sheffield Island and about 4000 yards (3,657.6 m) south of Manressa Island.
Along with Grassy Island, Shea is open to the public from May through Columbus Day, and campers with a permit can stay overnight. Two solar-powered restrooms are available in season, and there are 16 campsites. The entire shoreline is strewn with rocks and boulders, making it a more difficult place to approach by boat. Shea Island is at 41.0595°N 73.402°W.
Sheffield Island
At 51 acres (20.6 ha), Sheffield is the second largest island in the group, and the most southerly, located about 1500 yards (1,371.6 m) from the Norwalk coast and just southwest of Shea Island. The entire shoreline is strewn with rocks and boulders.Many bird species nest on the island. Sheffield is also one of the best places to see seals. The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is an aquarium located in the South Norwalk section of Norwalk, Connecticut....
organizes boat trips circling the islands, including a cruise to see the fall foliage and a winter cruise to see harbor seals and waterfowl (see Wildlife section for more information).
Part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, the island is controlled by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which closes it to the public most of the year in order to protect the bird nesting areas, The public is usually restricted to the 3.5 acres (1.4 ha) around the Sheffield Island Light
Sheffield Island Light
Sheffield Island Light is an historic Connecticut, USA, lighthouse located at the southern end of the Norwalk Islands on the west entrance of the Norwalk River on northern Long Island Sound....
, which the Norwalk Seaport Association maintains, although a 2000 yards (1,828.8 m) trail has been created to allow the public controlled access. In the summer, the association arranges tours for people to visit the lighthouse and picnic there. On Thursday nights, clambake
Clambake
Clambake is a 1967 musical film starring Elvis Presley, and co-starring Shelley Fabares and Bill Bixby—the last of his four films for United Artists. The movie reached No. 15 on the national weekly box office charts.-Plot:...
s and sunset cruises are held. The lighthouse, built in 1868, was a navigational aid until about 1900. Sheffield Island is at 41.052°N 73.415°W.
Smaller islands
These other islands are in the group:- Betts Island — located about 400 yards (365.8 m) north of Chimon Island. Privately owned. Betts Island is at 41.072°N 73.389°W.
- Calf Pasture Island — located almost 1000 yards (914.4 m) to the southeast of Calf Pasture BeachCalf Pasture BeachCalf Pasture Beach is an historically significant park and beach in East Norwalk, Connecticut along Long Island Sound.The area of the park lands is approximately ....
. Calf Pasture Island is at 41.0825°N 73.384°W.
- Copps Island — located close to the southeast end of Crow Island. Copps Island is at 41.0589°N 73.387°W.
- Crow Island — located 300 yards (274.3 m) to the southeast of Chimon Island. Crow Island is at 41.061°N 73.3905°W.
- Grassy Island — located 300 yards (274.3 m) to the northeast of Chimon Island. Owned by Norwalk city government. Grassy Island has a better boat landing area than Shea Island. Open to the public May through Columbus Day. Campers with permits can stay overnight at one of the four camp sites. Grassy Island is at 41.071°N 73.382°W.
- Goose Island — located about 1000 yards (914.4 m) east of Grassy Island. Some say that scientific research was done on the island to find a cure for yellow fever. Others say the small stone hut on its shore was built as a spy lookout during World War II. Goose Island is at 41.071°N 73.372°W.
- Hoyt Island — located close to the coast of Norwalk. Hoyt Island is at 41.074°N 73.4195°W.
- Little Tavern Island — located about 150 yards (137.2 m) northeast of Tavern Island. Little Tavern Island is at 41.0630°N 73.4201°W.
- Long Island — located about 300 yards (274.3 m) east of the southern end of Manressa Island. Long Island is at 41.0729°N 73.4034°W.
- Peach Island — located about 100 yards (91.4 m) east of the Harborview neighborhood in South Norwalk. This island is part of the McKinney Wildlife Refuge and is off limits to visitation. Peach Island is at 41.083°N 73.4055°W.
- Sprite Island — located about 300 yards (274.3 m) to the northeast of Calf Pasture BeachCalf Pasture BeachCalf Pasture Beach is an historically significant park and beach in East Norwalk, Connecticut along Long Island Sound.The area of the park lands is approximately ....
and about 700 yards (640.1 m) north of Calf Pasture Island. In the 1940s, the island was the summer home of a New York City financier. It is home to the Sprite Island Yacht Club, which bought the island from its former owner in 1952. The former owner bred collies, and the club turned the kennels into lockers. A rocky bluff is at one end of the island, and at another is a small, protected, rocky beach. It takes about 20 minutes to walk around the entire isle. Sprite Island is at 41.09°N 73.381°W.
- Tavern Island — located about 500 yards (457.2 m) from Wilson Point and 1000 yards (914.4 m) north of Sheffield Island, it has a private mansion with grounds and walkways. Showman Billy RoseBilly RoseWilliam "Billy" Rose was an American impresario, theatrical showman and lyricist. He is credited with many famous songs, notably "Me and My Shadow" , "It Happened in Monterey" and "It's Only a Paper Moon"...
once owned Tavern Island. Tavern Island is at 41.0605°N 73.422°W.
- Tree Hammock Island — located about 2000 feet (609.6 m) south of Manressa Island and 1000 feet (304.8 m) north of Shea Island. Tree Hammock Island is at 41.0649°N 73.4053°W.
External links
- Coastal Fairfield County Convention and Visitor Bureau for information on launches, activities and maps
- Long Island Sound Resource Center for information on boating, swimming, fishing, hiking
- Norwalk Harbor Management Commission for information on permits and fees
- Norwalk Seaport Association provides guided tours
- Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk offers cruises of the islands
- City of Norwalk Department of Recreation and Parks for permits to camp and hike on Grassy and Shea islands