Per Wikipedia, the West Sister Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1937 as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife specifically designated to protect the largest wading bird nesting colony on the U.S. Great Lakes. It is a wilderness area, and no one is allowed on the island except park rangers. A lighthouse was established on the westernmost point of the island in 1848. It is still an active aid to navigation, and is one of the oldest lighthouses to survive on the Great Lakes. On the day we toured along the island in a catamaran, there were thousands of birds nesting in the trees along the shore and a myriad of ducks in the water.