LaFramboise Island Nature Area

LaFramboise Island Nature Area. . , Nature on the Island , LaFramboise Island was historically forested with cottonwood trees. As upstream dams changed the water flow in the Missouri River in the mid-1960s, the tree habitat on this sandbar island changed to include species such as eastern red cedar, Rocky Mountain juniper, green ash, and Russian olive. Native cottonwood trees are also part of the island landscape, and once flourished due to the natural flooding of the river. As a result of regulated flows, the Missouri River no longer floods the island, meaning conditions are not favorable for cottonwood regeneration., Wildlife on the Island , Bald Eagles , LaFramboise Island provides day roosting habitat for bald eagles during the winter. Bald eagles are quite commonly observed during winter months perching in large cottonwoods along the outside edge of the island where they can easily spot fish or waterfowl prey. In February and March, 2003 a pair of mature bald eagles constructed a nest on the downstream, river side of LaFramboise Island and were observed in the immediate vicinity of the nest for several weeks. , Bats , Three bat species have been documented on LaFramboise Island: little brown bat, big brown bat, and silver-haired bat. Several of these individual bats were radio tagged and their movements tracked to roost sites., LaFramboise Island Nature Area , Trails on the Island , LaFramboise Island Nature Area is a special place in South Dakota due to its historical significance. Today, it is managed as a nature area, providing diverse recreational opportunities for central South Dakota., The island's rich history can be dated back to the Lewis and Clark Expedition when the LaFramboise family farmed the nutrient soil and helped settle the Dakota Territory., Throughout the island's trail system, you will find maps and interpretive signs. Learn about historical events and ecosystem, including wooded tracts of land dominated by cottonwoods and cedar, natural prairie areas, and an abundance of wildlife., Please enjoy your experience at LaFramboise Island Nature Area.