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The Nature Conservancy in Missouri Home Contact Places We Protect Field Trips & Events Press Releases Volunteer Ways of Giving |
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Sandy Island Bald Eagle Sanctuary
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| Eagle on Mississippi River |
The majority of Sandy Island Eagle Sanctuary was donated by Missouri photographer Frank Oberle and his wife Judy in 1992 as a safe habitat for bald eagles. This area provides a wonderful natural area only miles from St. Louis, making it an accessible and reliable place to observe these majestic birds in their winter habitat.
Why You Should Visit
Sandy Island provides critical habitat for wintering bald eagles that visit this region of the Mississippi River. The Mary Chambers Wiese platform located adjacent to the preserve, provides close-range viewing (complete with mounted scope) of the eagles and other birds.
Location
Minutes from the St. Louis metropolitan area, just south of Winfield Lock and Dam, three miles east of Winfield, Missouri on Highway N.
Hours
Daylight
Size
28 acres (includes a quarter mile of frontage along the Mississippi River just below the dam)
Conditions
The preserve itself is closed to all visitation from November 1 to March 1, when the eagles are present. To view the eagles, visitors are welcomed to use the Mary Chambers Wiese Eagle Observation Platform. The platform is not wheel chair accessible.
How to Prepare for Your Visit
Check the local weather forecast and dress accordingly. No special gear or clothing is recommended.
Preserve Visitation Guidelines
What to See: Animals
During the winter months, up to several hundred bald eagles use the preserve's cottonwood and silver maples trees for roosting. January and February are prime viewing times.
What to See: Plants
From the tall trees, the eagles scan the open water below the dam, where they dive to catch fish.
What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
The Mary Wiese Observation Platform is located on Corps of Engineers property at the south end of Lock and Dam #25. It was built in 1994 by Nature Conservancy staff and volunteers using materials donated by Ameren and the Corps of Engineers. In 1999, a permanent spotting scope was purchased with a grant from the Wednesday Club of St. Louis. It was mounted to the platform by Corps of Engineers staff, who also help maintain the platform and the preserve.
