Beebe Lake (Ithaca, New York) facts for kids
Beebe Lake is a beautiful, artificial lake located right on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. It's a popular spot for students and visitors to enjoy nature and relax.
What is Beebe Lake?
Beebe Lake is a special kind of lake called a reservoir. This means it's a lake that was created by people, usually by building a dam across a river or stream. It's not a natural lake that formed on its own.
How Was Beebe Lake Formed?
Beebe Lake was created a long time ago by Ezra Cornell, who was the founder of Cornell University. He built a dam on a stream called Fall Creek. This dam was placed just above a waterfall known as Triphammer Falls. The main reason for building the dam was to create power. The water from the newly formed lake was channeled through a long tunnel, about 200 feet (61 meters) long and 15 feet (4.6 meters) high. This water then helped to power the factories owned by a man named Jeremiah S. Beebe. That's how the lake got its name!
Keeping the Lake Healthy
Because Beebe Lake is an artificial lake, it needs a little help to stay in good shape. Over time, dirt and plants can build up at the bottom, making it shallower. To prevent this, the lake is regularly "dredged." Dredging means that special equipment is used to clean out the bottom of the lake, removing all the extra mud and sediment. This cleaning happens about once every ten years. It's important to do this so the lake doesn't turn back into a swampy area, which is what it was before the dam was built.
