Plum Island

Barrier island in northeastern Massachusetts, just south of the mouth of the Merrimack River. It is 14 km/8.5 mi-long sandy island, formed of beach deposits, which lies parallel to the shore. It is known as both a resort centre and a wildlife haven.

Parker River National Wildlife refuge and Sandy Point State Park are both located on the island. Plum Island Airport is the oldest private airfield in the USA, with its first flight in 1909. It was under threat of closure in 2001.

Plum Island

Island in New York State off the northeastern tip of Long Island, separating Long Island Sound from Gardiners Bay. This hilly island is owned by the US Department of Agriculture and is used as an experimental station; a lighthouse here marks Plum Gut, a treacherous channel running between the island and Orient Point.