Lake Munson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Munson |
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 Lake Munson
Location in Florida
Lake Munson
Location in the United States
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| Location | Leon County, Florida |
| Coordinates | 30°22′08″N 84°18′29″W / 30.3689°N 84.3081°W |
| Type | Impoundment |
| Primary inflows | Munson Slough |
| Primary outflows | Munson Slough |
| Catchment area | 69.3 mi2 (179.5 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 255 acres (103 ha) |
| Settlements | Tallahassee |
Lake Munson is a shallow lake located on the southeast side of Tallahassee in Leon County, Florida. It is a popular spot for fishing and enjoying nature. This lake is actually a type of reservoir, which means it's a body of water that has been created or changed by people, usually with a dam.
Contents
The Story of Lake Munson
From Mill Pond to Modern Lake
Lake Munson has a long history. It was first known as Munson's Mill Pond way back in the 1840s. A "mill pond" is a small lake created to power a watermill, which used to grind grain. In 1950, a permanent dam was built, which helped shape the lake into what it is today.
Protecting the Lake's Health
For many years, from 1934 to 1984, Lake Munson received water that had been treated by the Tallahassee waste water system. While this water was treated, it still contained extra nutrients. In 1982, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection looked closely at the lake. They found it had too many nutrients, which can cause too much algae to grow. This condition is called hypereutrophic. At that time, Lake Munson was considered one of the most impacted lakes in Florida. Since then, efforts have been made to improve the lake's health and water quality.
Nature and Wildlife
Plants Around the Lake
The edges of Lake Munson are lined with beautiful trees. You can see tall cypress trees and graceful willow trees. These plants provide important homes and shelter for many animals.
Animals of Lake Munson
Lake Munson is a great place to spot different kinds of birds. You might see egrets, which are large white birds, or wood storks, which are tall wading birds. Limpkins are also often seen walking along the shoreline. These birds often search for food, like apple snails, which are a type of snail that can sometimes take over an area.
Fishing and Recreation
If you enjoy fishing, Lake Munson is known for its excellent bass fishing. There are also places for people to launch their boats. One boat ramp is located at the Gil A. Waters Lake Munson Preserve Park. Another boat ramp can be found near the dam. These spots make it easy for visitors to get out on the water and enjoy the lake.
