“Ahoy there, mateys” Imagine Captain Kidd himself buried treasure right here on Huckleberry Island. Huckleberry Island, also known as Whortleberry Island, is part of New Rochelle, New York. It sits in Long Island Sound. This island may be small but it is packed with history and natural beauty.
Huckleberry Island spans about 10 acres. It is located approximately three-fourths mile east of Davids Island. The island’s landscape features a vibrant deciduous forest. Virtually no shrubs grow here. The rocky shoreline creates a unique marine habitat. It is one of the most southerly occurrences of this community type on the North Atlantic Coastline.
In the 19th century Huckleberry Island was rumored to hold Captain Kidd’s buried treasure. Captain Kidd was a famous pirate. Local legend claimed his loot was hidden somewhere on this island.
Today Huckleberry Island is known for its environmental importance. It provides a vital undisturbed upland environment. Many colonial waterbirds nest here. Egrets and night herons are among the most prominent. The island is also home to significant nesting colonies. Herring gulls and great black-backed gulls thrive here.
Great egrets and snowy egrets often nest in the treetops. Black-crowned night herons prefer the lower forest canopy. Double-crested cormorants nest in the upper branches of small trees. Gulls typically nest near the rocky edge of the island. Green heron and little blue heron may also nest here.
Huckleberry Island is recognized as a priority site. The National Audubon Society included it in its 2002 Open Space Conservation Plan. The project is under the Westchester Marine Corridor name.
However, Huckleberry Island faces some environmental challenges. Cormorant droppings are killing trees. This makes them unsuitable for nesting by herons and egrets. The non-native Norway maple understory could eventually replace the native hardwood trees.
The Huckleberry Indians, Inc. owns Huckleberry Island. This club is part of the New York Athletic Club. They bought the island in 1893. The island is primarily used during the summer season. Development has been limited. There is a dock and a few small buildings on the western end.
Historically, the Huckleberry Indians held grand celebrations here. These gatherings often involved theatrical performances. They sometimes included as many as two hundred performers. The celebrations marked the end of the yachting season. They were festive events reported by The New York Times. These events included a major theatrical performance. Preparations for the annual festivities were elaborate. The Huckleberry Indians hired private security. They wanted to prevent outsiders from intruding.
Celebrations often featured a clam bake. Enjoyable drinks flowed freely. The Huckleberry Indians and the Flub Dubs from the Larchmont Yacht Club often joined together. They dressed in Native American regalia.
So, as you stand here on Huckleberry Island remember its rich past. Imagine pirates burying treasure. Envision vibrant celebrations. Appreciate the island’s role as a haven for wildlife. Huckleberry Island is a treasure in itself. Its natural beauty and storied past create a unique destination.