Lake Calhoun (Kandiyohi County, Minnesota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Calhoun |
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 Lake Calhoun
Location in Minnesota
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| Location | Kandiyohi County, Minnesota |
| Coordinates | 45°16′23″N 94°49′57″W / 45.27306°N 94.83250°W |
| Type | lake |
Lake Calhoun is a beautiful lake located in Kandiyohi County, which is in the state of Minnesota, United States. It's a natural body of water, meaning it formed naturally, not by humans. This lake is a great spot for enjoying nature and learning about the environment.
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Location and Naming
Lake Calhoun is found in the central part of Minnesota. It's part of a region known for its many lakes, which makes Minnesota famous as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes."
The lake was given its name in honor of a local person who was a cattleman. A cattleman is someone who raises cattle, which are farm animals like cows.
Protecting the Lake
Lakes like Lake Calhoun are important natural places. They provide homes for many plants and animals. Sometimes, lakes face challenges, like the arrival of new species that don't belong there.
What are Invasive Species?
An invasive species is a type of plant or animal that is not native to an area. This means it came from somewhere else. When these species arrive, they can cause problems for the local environment. They might compete with native species for food or space. They can also change the natural balance of the ecosystem.
The Problem with Zebra Mussels
In 2015, something important happened at Lake Calhoun. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced that the lake had an infestation of zebra mussels. Zebra mussels are a well-known invasive species. They are small freshwater mussels with striped shells, like a zebra.
Zebra mussels cause several problems:
- They attach to almost any hard surface, including rocks, boats, and even other mussels.
- They filter a lot of water, which can make the water clearer. While this might sound good, it can actually harm the ecosystem. It allows more sunlight to reach the bottom, which can cause too much algae to grow.
- They can clog water intake pipes for cities and power plants.
- They can hurt native mussels and other aquatic life by taking their food.
What's Being Done?
When an invasive species like zebra mussels is found, environmental groups and state departments work to manage the problem. The goal is to stop them from spreading to other lakes and to reduce their impact on the affected lake. This often involves educating people about how to prevent the spread of these mussels. For example, boaters are asked to clean their boats carefully before moving them to another lake.
