Green Lake (Maine) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Green Lake |
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Location | Ellsworth / Dedham counties, Maine, United States |
Coordinates | 44°38.5′N 68°29′W / 44.6417°N 68.483°W |
Catchment area | 59.2 square miles (153 km2) |
Basin countries | United States |
Surface area | 3,132 acres (1,267 ha) |
Average depth | 44 feet (13 m) |
Max. depth | 170 feet (52 m) |
Water volume | 106,204 acre⋅ft (131,001,000 m3) |
Residence time | 1.9 years |
Shore length1 | 28.8 miles (46.3 km) |
Surface elevation | 160 feet (49 m) |
Settlements | Dedham, Ellsworth |
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. |
Green Lake is a large, beautiful freshwater lake located in the state of Maine, United States. It's a popular spot for visitors because it feels far away from busy cities, surrounded by nature.
This lake is about 17 miles (27 km) south of Bangor and 32 miles (51 km) north of Bar Harbor. You can find Green Lake west of Route 180 and east of U.S. Route 1A. The Downeast Scenic Railroad also runs nearby.
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Exploring Green Lake
Green Lake is quite large, covering an area of about 3,132 acres (1,267 ha). That's like more than 2,300 football fields! The lake is also very deep in some parts. While its average depth is around 44 feet (13 m), its deepest point goes down to an amazing 170 feet (52 m). Imagine how much water is in there! The total amount of water in Green Lake is about 106,204 acre⋅ft (131,001,000 m3).
The shoreline of Green Lake stretches for about 28.8 miles (46.3 km). This makes it a great place for activities like boating, fishing, and exploring the edges of the lake. The lake sits at an elevation of 160 feet (49 m) above sea level.
What Makes Green Lake Special?
Green Lake is known for its peaceful and natural environment. It's a perfect place for people who want to escape the noise of city life and enjoy the outdoors. The lake is a popular destination for tourists who love fishing, kayaking, or just relaxing by the water.
The water in Green Lake doesn't stay still for long. On average, the water in the lake completely changes every 1.9 years. This means fresh water is always flowing in and out, keeping the lake healthy.
A Home for Fish: The National Fish Hatchery
One of the most interesting things about Green Lake is that it's home to a National Fish Hatchery. A fish hatchery is like a special farm where fish eggs are hatched and young fish are raised in a safe environment. Once they are big enough, these fish are released into rivers and lakes.
Helping Atlantic Salmon
The Green Lake National Fish Hatchery plays a very important role in helping Atlantic salmon. These amazing fish are trying to make a comeback in the rivers of the Gulf of Maine. The hatchery is part of a big program run by the USFWS (United States Fish and Wildlife Service) to bring Atlantic salmon populations back to healthy numbers.
By raising young salmon in a protected setting, the hatchery gives them a better chance to survive and grow before they are released into the wild. This helps to restore the natural balance of the rivers and ensures that future generations can enjoy these incredible fish.