Rosa rugosa
The undeveloped western two-thirds of the island form one of the few unimproved areas of shoreline along the Connecticut coast. Notable vegetation includes salt marsh and salt meadow cord grasses ("Spartina species") beach plum ("Prunus maritima"), rugosa rose ("Rosa rugosa"), and juniper trees that are referred to locally as "cedars" ("Juniperus virginiana"). Abundant bird life is also present on the island. Protected nesting areas for the piping plover ("Charadrius melodus") are provided in the spring. The American oystercatcher ("Haematopus palliatus") is frequently viewed along with the osprey ("Pandion haliaetus") and other seabirds common to Long Island Sound shore.