Presque Isle

Presque Isle SP https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/PresqueIsleStatePark/Pages/default.aspx https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presque_Isle_State_Park Presque Isle State Park is on an arching, sandy peninsula that juts into Lake Erie, 4 miles (6 km) west of the city of Erie, in Millcreek Township, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The peninsula sweeps northeastward, surrounding Presque Isle Bay along the park's southern coast. It has 13 miles (21 km) of roads, 21 miles (34 km) of recreational trails, 13 beaches for swimming, and a marina. Popular activities at the park include swimming, boating, hiking, biking, and birdwatching. The Presque Isle peninsula formed on a moraine from the end of the Wisconsin glaciation and is constantly being reshaped by waves and wind. This leads to seven ecological zones within the park, which provides a classic example of ecological succession.

Presque Isle Presque Isle State Park A Pennsylvania Recreational Guide for DISCOVERING PRESQUE ISLE AND ITS NATURE Presque Isle State Park is a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula that arches into Lake Erie. The park, established in 1921, is reached by PA 832 or by boat. The road system within the park forms a loop about 13 miles in length. The neck of the peninsula is attached to the mainland four miles west of downtown Erie. The park creates Presque Isle Bay, a wide and deep harbor for the city of Erie. The bay attracts many pleasure boats and worldwide freighters, making Erie an important Great Lakes shipping port. Presque Isle is a National Natural Landmark. Because of the many unique habitats, Presque Isle contains a greater Pennsylvania State Parks Mission The primary purpose of Pennsylvania state parks is to provide opportunities for enjoying healthful outdoor recreation and serve as outdoor classrooms for environmental education. In meeting these purposes, the conservation of the natural, scenic, aesthetic, and historical values of parks should be given first consideration. Stewardship responsibilities should be carried out in a way that protects the natural outdoor experience for the enjoyment of current and future generations. visitPAparks Printed on recycled paper THE TOM RIDGE ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER THE NATURE OF PRESQUE ISLE Misery Bay and Perry Monument The Erie Indians lived along the southern shores of Lake Erie and were early inhabitants of the area. They hunted game from the forests, gathered plants, and fished from the waters of Lake Erie in birch-bark canoes. According to legend, the Erie ventured far into the lake to find the place where the sun sank into the waters. The spirits of the lake caused a great storm to arise, so the Great Spirit stretched out his left arm into the lake to protect the Erie from the storm. Where the sheltering arm of the Great Spirit had lain in the lake, a great sandbar in the shape of an arm-like peninsula was formed to act as an eternal shelter and harbor of refuge for the Great Spirit’s favorite children, the Erie. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS Environmental Education Public Programs The park offers a wide variety of environmental education programs. Through hands-on activities, guided walks, and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding, and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources. Contact the park office or visit http://trecpi.org for program offerings. The Presque Isle Curriculum allows students of all ages to explore the resources of the park. The curriculum helps meet the Pennsylvania Academic Standards set by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for Environment and Ecology, Science and Technology, and others. Year round, Presque Isle State Park offers the Bureau of State Parks’ DiscoverE Outdoor Programs for Young People (ages 4-17). Younger learners explore the outdoors through structured play, reinforced by stories and crafts. Older youth participate in outdoor educational and recreational activities, and conduct special projects. Environmental educators at Presque Isle offer educational and recreational programs throughout the year. There are programs on history, art, wildlife, plants, and outdoor recreation. Pontoon boat tours through the interior of the peninsula provide opportunities to view abundant wildlife and scenic views. During the War of 1812, Little Bay was the temporary home of the fleet of ships commanded by Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry. Six of his eleven vessels were built in Erie at the mouth of Cascade Creek. The shores and waters of Presque Isle protected the fleet during construction. Courtesy of VisitErie In addition to the park office, the TREC hosts the offices of national, state, and local agencies and groups, including, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Department of Environmental Protection – Office of the Great Lakes, Pennsylvania Audubon, Presque Isle Audubon, Environment Erie, PA Sea Grant, Presque Isle Partnership, the Natural History Museum of TREC, Tom Ridge Environmental Center Foundation, and the Purple Martin Conservation Association. The TREC is home to the Regional Science Consortium, a group of colleges, universities, high schools, and conservation groups. The consortium collaborates on research and provides college-level course work using Presque Isle State Park’s resources for learning in unprecedented ways. Ecologically Diverse Courtesy of VisitErie Presque Isle Gallery and Gifts sells the works of local artists, memorabilia, and books on the peninsula and the Lake Erie region. The Sunset Café is a quiet spot to relax with refreshing beverages and great food. The café also provides fine cuisine for catered business meetings and after hours events at the TREC. As part of the center’s overall educational mission, the TREC has classrooms and laboratories for educational programming and research. A pavilio