1006 - The Secret History of Clark Lake

Just beyond this wetland is Clark Lake. That lake formed in a very unique way, which allowed this wetland to exist.

Long ago, when Lake Michigan had just formed, its water level was much higher than today. Lake Michigan covered the ground around you, forming a large bay. Once the lake level started to drop, wind and water currents brought large amounts of sand into the bay.

Over time, as lake levels continued to drop and more sand accumulated, the bay got completely cut off from Lake Michigan and became its own lake–Clark Lake. Because Clark Lake used to be a part of Lake Michigan, the two still share many connecting waterways today, like this wetland.