Presque Isle State Park- A local treasure

Background Info. of the Peninsula...
March 22, 2009

Tom Ridge Environmental Center- "Gateway into the Park"
Before you enter into Presque Isle, you pass the Tom Ridge Environmental Center which is the gateway into the Park that acts as an informational, educational, and research center of the Peninsula.

History of Presque Isle
Presque Isle is a Migrating Peninsula and a recurving sand spit. Geologists believe it formed more than 11,000 years ago. Over time the coastline "floated" as the forces of wind and water carried sand from the neck of the peninsula eastward, depositing it at Gull Point, causing that area to grow. This growth and migration of the peninsula occurred rapidly, at least in geologic time. Scientists believe that the peninsula has moved eastward one-half mile per century, although they see smaller changes every year. These changes created an extremely diverse and fragile environment. Because of its diversity, Presque Isle is a natural laboratory for viewing the geologic past and watching geologic forces in motion.Although the French name Presque Isle means "almost an island," the area has actually been a real island several times.

Nature of Presque Isle
There are six distinct ecological zones on Presque Isle, each with a different plant and animal community. The record of geological succession can be traced through each of these zones. The zones include: Lake Erie, the bay and shoreline; sand plain and new ponds; dunes and ridges; old ponds and marshes; thicket and sub-climax forest; and climax forest. Because of the diversity of ecological zones at Presque Isle State Park, many different species of plants and wildlife inhabit the park, but of all the plants and animals on the peninsula, birds are the most studied and understood. The peninsula's location along the Atlantic flyway and the diversity of natural habitats make Presque Isle State Park a haven for bird life. Migrating birds rest, feed and nest here. Some of those birds are especially rare and in danger — while over 320 species of birds have been recorded on Presque Isle; at least 45 of those species are listed as species of special concern.

Presque Isle is a unique Park, full of animal and plant life, along with a variety of activities to do. There you can sunbathe, picnic, run, bike, walk, rollerblade, boat, kayak, scuba dive...Overall, my experience at Presque Isle was very enjoyable due to the nice, sunny weather. I walked around several beaches, stopping at the Perry monument and other stops along the way. Many people were out and about fishing, boating, walking, biking, etc. It was nice to see the people in the community use the Park and enjoy it since it is such a prescious landmark. Hope you enjoy my pics!