Iona Island National Estuarine Sanctuary And Research Reserve

Stony Point, Rockland Co.

Iona Island is one of the largest tidal wetlands along the Hudson, with about 270 acres of freshwater and brackish cattail marshes. It is included as part of the Iona Island/Doodletown Bird Conservation Area. The highlight of a winter visit is seeing bald eagles roosting in treetops, perched on the ice or soaring overhead, attracted by the open water and plentiful fish.

Wildlife to Watch

• Waterfowl, Canada geese and mallards
• Bald eagles
• Smaller birds, including swamp sparrow, marsh wren, willow flycatcher, common yellow throat, and the least bittern, a tiny species of heron
• Muskrat and mink
• Snapping turtles

Where to Watch

• Tidal creeks
• Mudflats
• Marshes
• Half-mile causeway

Recreational Opportunities

• Hiking
• Birdwatching

Size

556 acres

Closest Town

Stony Point

Directions

See Google Maps and enter your address for step by step directions to Iona Island (This link will leave the DEC website. Hold "Shift" down while clicking on the link to open a page in a new window)

Contact Information

Telephone: Hudson River Research Reserve: 845-889-4745 or Palisades Interstate Park Commission: 845-786-2701

Address: Route 9W, Tomkins Cove, NY 10986

Website: Iona Island

Photo Credits: Iona Island National Estuarine Sanctuary, Jim Clayton, Paul T. Schnell