Pine Lake (San Francisco) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pine Lake |
|
|---|---|
|
|
.jpg)
Pine Lake in 2010
|
|
 Pine Lake
Location in California
Pine Lake
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Pine Lake Park, San Francisco, California |
| Coordinates | 37°44′10″N 122°29′20″W / 37.7361888°N 122.4888264°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface elevation | 13 m (43 ft) |
Pine Lake is a beautiful freshwater lake located in Pine Lake Park in San Francisco, California. It was once known by other names like Laguna Puerca or Pig Lake. This peaceful lake is on the western side of San Francisco. It gets its water from the same underground water source, called an aquifer, that also feeds the nearby Lake Merced.
The Story of Pine Lake
The area around Pine Lake, including the lake itself, has an interesting past. In 1847, a family named Greene moved to San Francisco from Maine. They bought the land and the lake, which was then known as Laguna Puerca or Pig Lake. Years later, after the Sigmund Stern Recreation Grove was established nearby, the City of San Francisco purchased the lake. This made Pine Lake a public space for everyone to enjoy.
Nature Around Pine Lake
Pine Lake is a natural wonder, fed by a hidden underground spring. This spring also provides water to Lake Merced, another important lake in the city. The edges of Pine Lake are home to many different plants. You can see tall willow trees, tules (which are like tall grasses), and various aquatic plants that grow in the water.
The lake is also a popular spot for birds. Many migratory birds use the Pacific Flyway, which is like a superhighway in the sky for birds traveling long distances. These birds stop at Pine Lake to find food, rest, or even make their homes in the surrounding area. Pine Lake is special because it is one of only three natural freshwater lakes in San Francisco. The other two are Lake Merced and Mountain Lake.
