Banning Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Banning DamLake Eleanor Dam |
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Lake Eleanor as seen from above
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 Location of Banning Dam
Lake Eleanor Dam in California |
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| Country | United States |
| Location | Ventura County, California |
| Coordinates | 34°08′07″N 118°51′06″W / 34.13528°N 118.85167°W |
| Status | Operational |
| Construction began | 1881 |
| Construction cost | $500 (1889) |
| Owner(s) | Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | Arch, constant-radius |
| Height | 37 ft (11 m) |
| Length | 140 ft (43 m) |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Lake Eleanor |
Lake Eleanor, also known as Banning Dam, is a small freshwater lake in Thousand Oaks, California. It covers about 8 acres. The lake is part of the 513-acre Lake Eleanor Open Space.
This special area is a historic landmark. It is also recognized as City of Thousand Oaks Historical Landmark No. 9. The lake is owned by the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA). It sits in a deep valley with steep cliffs.
Lake Eleanor is an artificial lake, meaning it was made by people. It was built in 1889. It might even be the very first concrete arched dam ever built in California. An arched dam is a curved wall that holds back water.
Even though Banning Dam is not huge, it is one of the oldest dams still standing in California. It is 37 feet tall and 140 feet long at the top. It is located less than 1 mile east of Lake Sherwood.
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What's in a Name?
Lake Eleanor was named after its builder, "Captain" William Banning. The dam holds back water from Eleanor Creek to create the lake.
A Look Back in Time: Lake Eleanor's History
Lake Eleanor was first built to provide a steady water supply for cattle. This happened in the 1880s. Work on the dam started in 1881 and finished in 1889.
In 1972, the lake was emptied because officials thought it might be unsafe. After the water was removed, many frogs died. Other wildlife had to be moved to Triunfo Creek.
The Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA) took over the lake in 1986. In May 1988, it became Ventura County Historic Landmark No. 120. Later, it was also named City of Thousand Oaks Historical Landmark No. 9.
Nature and Wildlife at Lake Eleanor
The Lake Eleanor Open Space has many different types of natural areas. These include rugged hills, rocky spots, marshy wetlands, and native oak forests.
This area is home to several rare and endangered plant species. It also provides nesting places for hawks and other birds. Because the land is rough and has sensitive plants and animals, there is only one main trail. This trail follows a ridge east of Westlake Boulevard. You can get to it from Denver Springs Drive or Highgate Road.
The 8-acre lake and its 529 acres of surrounding open space are fenced off. This helps protect the wildlife, like the Great Blue Heron, that live there.
Exploring the Area: Recreation
Even though the land is rugged, there is one trail for visitors. This trail follows the ridgeline east of Westlake Boulevard. From this trail, you can see two other bodies of water: Westlake Lake and Las Virgenes Reservoir.
The trail starts and ends in neighborhoods. You can find trailheads at Highgate Road and Denver Springs Drive. Besides views of mountains and lakes, the trail also offers views of the Conejo Valley and the Santa Monica Mountains. The trail goes up about 500 feet in total, offering many high points with great views.
Images for kids
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Lake Eleanor as seen from above
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Banning Dam
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Lake Eleanor and Banning Dam
