  Ironsides Island Location of Ironsides Island in New York State | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | St. Lawrence River |
| Coordinates | 44°23′46″N75°51′2″W / 44.39611°N 75.85056°W /44.39611; -75.85056 |
| Area | 30 acres (12 ha) |
| Highest elevation | 272 ft (82.9 m) |
| Administration | |
| State | New York |
| Counties | Jefferson St. Lawrence |
| Towns | Alexandria Hammond |
| Owner | The Nature Conservancy |
| Designated | 1967 |
Ironsides Island is an uninhabited rocky island in theSaint Lawrence River, and part of theThousand Islands region nearAlexandria Bay, New York. It is in bothJefferson andSt. Lawrence counties.[1] Most of the island lies in the town ofAlexandria, in Jefferson County, while its northeasternmost corner lies in the town ofHammond, in St. Lawrence County. The island is located nearKring Point State Park.[2]
The 30-acre (12 ha) island has 30-to-40-foot (9 to 12 m) cliffs along its waterfront, and its vegetation is dominated bywhite pine trees.[3] It was donated by formerReader's Digest ad executive William Browning toThe Nature Conservancy in the late 1960s to ensure protection of the island'sgreat blue heronrookery.[4][5] Over a thousand herons return to breed every April.[6] It was declared aNational Natural Landmark in 1967.[7]
Prior permission from The Nature Conservancy is required to land on the island, but it can easily be viewed from the water.[8]
Year designated: 1967
