Glenmere Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Glenmere Lake |
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Glenmere, October 2008
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 Glenmere Lake
Location in New York
Glenmere Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Orange County, New York |
| Coordinates | 41°20′09″N 74°19′48″W / 41.33583°N 74.33000°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface elevation | 531 ft (162 m) |
Glenmere Lake is a special body of water in Orange County, New York. It was originally a mill pond or reservoir. This lake is very important because it is the largest home in New York State for the Northern cricket frog (Acris crepitans). These tiny frogs are considered endangered, meaning they are at risk of disappearing.
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What is Glenmere Lake?
Glenmere Lake is part of a larger area called the Glenmere Preserve. This preserve is owned by Orange County and is one of the biggest wild areas there. The lake and its surroundings are incredibly diverse, meaning they have many different types of natural features.
You can find hardwood swamps, rocky ridges, wide marshes, mossy bogs, and small temporary ponds called vernal pools. All these different environments make Glenmere Lake a unique habitat. It's especially important because Orange County is growing fast, and places like Glenmere are vital for nature.
Amazing Animals of Glenmere
The lands around Glenmere Lake are home to many amazing animals. You might spot majestic bald eagles flying overhead. There are also six different kinds of hawks and six types of owls living here.
Many endangered plants and animals live in the Glenmere area. The most famous resident is the northern cricket frog. New York State's largest — and almost last — group of these endangered frogs lives right here.
Where is Glenmere Lake?
Glenmere Lake sits across two major river basins that flow into the Hudson River. On its western side, the water flows towards the Wallkill River. On its eastern side, it flows towards the Moodna Creek. A small stream called the Black Meadow Creek is the westernmost part of the Moodna basin.
There's even a special "watershed ambiguous zone" near Glenmere Lake. In this area, small brooks can split and send their water to either the Wallkill or Moodna river systems. The lake and the county lands around it are located in several towns and villages. These include Warwick, Chester, Sugar Loaf, and Florida.
History and Protection
The beautiful 1912 Glenmere mansion still stands and overlooks the reservoir. It's a historic landmark in the area.
A group called the Glenmere Conservation Coalition studies the lake and its surrounding areas. This group is a non-profit educational organization. They work to understand and protect this important natural space.
Recently, authorities reminded Orange County, the Town of Chester, and the Village of Florida about the importance of keeping the Glenmere Lake Dam safe. They were also reminded to get the right permits for any repairs. This highlights how important it is to maintain structures like dams for safety.
