Saunders Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saunders Lake |
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in autumn
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 Saunders Lake
Location in Minnesota
Saunders Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Minnetrista, Minnesota, United States |
| Coordinates | 44°55′46″N 93°41′34″W / 44.9295°N 93.6927°W |
| Primary outflows | To Lake Langdon |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 70 acres (28 ha) |
| Surface elevation | 945 ft (288 m) |
Saunders Lake is a beautiful lake located in the state of Minnesota, United States. It covers about 70 acres (28 hectares) and is found west of Minneapolis-St. Paul. The lake is near the towns of Mound and Minnetrista.
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History of Saunders Lake
The first European settlers arrived in the area around Saunders Lake in the 1850s. In 1854, two people named Nathaniel Sanders and J. F. Buck made their homes near the lake's shores. Saunders Lake was later named after Nathaniel Sanders.
About the Lake and Its Water
Saunders Lake is a special type of wetland, known as a Natural Environment lake. This means it's important for nature. Water flows out of Saunders Lake through a small channel into Lake Langdon. From there, the water travels through a pipe under County State-Aid Highway 110. It then goes into Lost Lake and finally into Cooks Bay of Lake Minnetonka. This whole system is part of the larger Minnehaha Creek Watershed District.
Nature Around the Lake
The area between Saunders Lake and Black Lake (also called Flanagan Lake) is very important for nature. It has wetlands and a forest with maple and basswood trees. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says this area is very valuable for its ecology, which is the study of how living things interact with their environment. Most of this special area is now part of Gale Woods Regional Park, managed by the Three Rivers Park District. Saunders Lake is known for having many different types of vegetation (plants), fish, and wildlife habitats. It is seen as a place to be protected, like a nature preserve.
Wildlife in Saunders Lake
Many people think Saunders Lake is a great place to fish for crappie. You can also find catfish and sunfish in the lake. If you look closely at the north shore, you might see trees that have been chewed down. This is a sign that beavers live around the lake.
Water Quality of Saunders Lake
The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District checks the water quality of Saunders Lake. They have given it a grade of B-. This means the water quality is generally good. However, sometimes algae might grow, especially later in the summer. This could make swimming less enjoyable.
Gallery
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Looking towards the island on Saunders Lake
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Fall day on Saunders Lake
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The island on Saunders Lake
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A deer on the shore of Saunders Lake
