Wildlife, plants, paddlers find a haven on Sycamore Island

Parts of Sycamore Island, located between Blawnox and Verona on the Allegheny River, are underwater for most of the winter.

Landscaping crews converted the remnants of a swimming pool on Sycamore Island into an overlook and vernal pool for amphibians.

Sycamore Island, roughly 9 miles upriver from Downtown Pittsburgh, is open to kayakers, canoeists and paddle boarders.

Site steward Rick Duncan shows visitors around Sycamore Island on Sunday, May 19.

Rick Duncan, site steward for Sycamore Island, explains the history of the Harbor Isle Boat Club to a small group of visitors on Sunday, May 19.

Trees grow slanted along the outer rim of Sycamore Island, creating a natural cathedral in the island’s center.

The hulk of a fueling barge spans Sycamore Island’s southern end, reminding visitors of the island’s more developed past.