Sheets Island Archipelago Natural Area
| Sheets Island Archipelago Natural Area | |
|---|---|
The archipelago in the Susquehanna River; Sheets Island is the large island in the center. | |
Location within Pennsylvania | |
| Location | Dauphin County, Pennsylvania |
| Nearest town | Enola |
| Coordinates | 40°17′18″N 76°55′04″W / 40.2883°N 76.9178°W |
| Area | 70 acres (28 ha) |
Sheets Island Archipelago Natural Area is a 70-acre (28 ha) protected area in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is part of Weiser State Forest.[1][2]
Description
The Natural Area was established to protect Sheets Island and about four dozen smaller nearby islands in the Susquehanna River between Enola and Harrisburg.[3] The archipelago has been noted as a birding location where many species of resident and migratory waterfowl and songbirds can be found,[1] including cormorants and egrets which are uncommon in Pennsylvania.[2] The area has also been noted for its unique car-free outdoor experiences in the midst of a developed metropolitan area.[4] The natural area can only be reached by boat.[2]
References
- ^ a b "Weiser State Forest Wild and Natural Areas". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. Retrieved May 23, 2026.
- ^ a b c Fergus, Charles (2002). Natural Pennsylvania: Exploring the State Forest Natural Areas. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books. pp. 23–26.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. "Sheets Island Archipelago Natural Area" (PDF). Retrieved May 26, 2026.
- ^ Schneck, Marcus (August 4, 2022). "An insider's list of the best things to see, do in Pa. state forests". pennlive. Retrieved May 27, 2026.