Sand Island Natural Area Preserve
![mall sandy accretion island protects nesting seabird colonies](/https/www.dnr.wa.gov/pictures/amp/amp_na_sand_island.jpg)
This small sandy accretion island protects nesting seabird colonies, historically including Caspian terns. Bald eagles, double-crested cormorants, brown pelicans, brants, ring-billed gulls, sandpipers, and many other birds use the site. The island supports sand dune vegetation, and provides a haul out site for seals.
Features Protected: Seabird nesting habitat, western gull, brown pelican
Ecoregion: Northwest Coast (Grays Harbor County)
Ecoregion: Northwest Coast (Grays Harbor County)
Science, Research and Monitoring
Public and private universities, other research institutions and individual researchers may contact DNR to propose a research project at the site. If you are interested in pursuing research at Sand Island NAP, please contact David Wilderman, natural areas ecologist, at [email protected].
Examples of research and monitoring projects
- Thomas P. Good, Julie C. Ellis, Cynthia A. Annett, And Raymond Pierotti. 2000. Bounded Hybrid Superiority In An Avian Hybrid Zone: Effects Of Mate, Diet, And Habitat Choice. Evolution 54(5): 1774–1783
Environmental Education and Public Access
Currently no formal educational programs are available at Sand Island NAP. The site is seasonally overtopped and island sands shift continually. For more information, contact the DNR Pacific Cascade Region natural areas manager.