Outer
Island is an ecological preserve and sanctuary for
migratory birds. Its unique setting and remote
location allow visitors wonderful opportunities to
research and or relax surrounded by unique flora and
fauna. The island has a number of mini-habitats that
are exemplars of Long Island Sound shoreline
environments. Visitors can investigate the
intertidal zone, marsh and beach, and observe
migrating birds.
Since the
island's dedication as a wildlife preserve in 1995,
the US Fish & Wildlife Service along with the
Connecticut State University System, and the Friends
of Outer Island have conducted research and
education programs for the public. Guided tours of
the island are especially valuable for educators who
wish to connect their teaching to the wonders of the
natural world, and the uniqueness of Long Island
Sound.
The Island
facilities include a research laboratory and seminar
room, and an automated weather station complete with
video cameras - this system allows interested parties
an opportunity to view Outer Island before they plan
a site visit.
Meet
our Partners!
Outer
Island is owned by the U.S.
Fish & Wildlife Service and is part of the Stewart
B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. The
Island is a refuge
and nesting area for a number of threatened and
endangered species.
All
work on the island is tied to understanding and
sustaining the habitats of the plants and animals
living there. Our Research and Educational Programs
are great ways to engage in learning as we work to
sustain this unique island's ecology.
Southern
Connecticut State University's Department of Science Education & Environmental Studies is a lead partner in Research and Education on Outer Island. Dr. Vincent
Breslin is the lead investigator for Coastal & Marine Studies.
Central
Connecticut State University's Dr. Jeremiah
Jarrett is the lead investigator for Marine Biological Studies.
Our
other partners include the "Friends
of Outer Island" - a non-profit education
organization that has done wonderful work in helping
maintain and improve the island's educational resources. Friends
is a very active group and we all appreciate their
tireless efforts the improve the island and island
experiences for visitors. Friends
of Outer Island has a Facebook page - check them
out!
"What
would happen if every elementary school child
chose a creature, whether an ant, a bee, cricket,
dragonfly, spider, water strider, snake, frog,
fly, beetle, or bat, to study and report on
repeatedly during his or her first six years of
school? The capacity for bioaffiliation in the
rising generation would be boundless." (prelude to
"The Biophilia Hypothesis" by E.O. Wilson and S.
Kellert, 1993)
