The Lake Area-Habitats for the Uncommon, Too

The Lake Area-Habitats for the Uncommon, Too. Deep Creek Lake 100 Years. , The Appalachian Mountains formed approximately 500 million years ago when continental collisions created towering peaks, some reaching up to 20,000 feet. Over time, however, these mountains eroded, creating the rolling hills and forested mountains that surround Deep Creek Lake today., When the lake was created, it was largely devoid of aquatic life. However, with the growth of a solid ecological foundation in terms of submerged aquatic vegetation--and with stocking of selected varieties of fish-- the lake is now a premier western Maryland fishing location. Fish species from bluegill to northern pike to bass enjoy self-sustaining populations., Streams and rivers in the region provide vital aquatic habitats, with the protected Youghiogheny Wild and Scenic Corridor serving as a key conservation area. This corridor surrounds the Youghiogheny River whose waters and rocky rapids are home to a variety of wildlife including brook trout, river otters, and some more rare animals. This area, for instance, is one of the only areas remaining that supports the iconic Appalachian creature, the Hellbender. The Hellbender is one of the largest salamanders in the entire world. Growing up to nearly 2 feet long, mottled brown, with a flattened and wrinkled form, and covered in a thick mucous, hellbenders are truly unique creatures. , While some Garrett County valleys form raging rivers as noted above, others form still-water bogs. These mountain peatlands are dotted across our region and are covered by mats of spongy sphagnum mosses. These unique ecosystems face environmental challenges, including limited nutrients and extreme seasonal temperature fluctuations. Rare wild cranberries and the beautiful bog copper butterfly can be found in these areas. Carnivorous plants such as the pitcher plant and the sundew capture insects to feed themselves., Additionally, many of these areas include what are known as “frost pockets”, regions of indentation in a landscape where, on calm nights, cool air settles in and creates a climate much colder than the surrounding areas. Many northern species take refuge in these areas. They include the “aww” inspiring northern saw-whet owls, Maryland’s smallest owl species, these chilly refuges provide some of its only nesting locations in the state., There is also distinctive habitat provided by the surrounding mountain terrain. While offering beautiful backdrops and great places for outdoor activities, the mountains also provide a home for rare creatures. For example. the fisher (or fisher-cat). This seldom-seen animal occupies mountain ridges as its preferred habitat. Fishers, who had to be reintroduced to our region in the 70s due to overharvesting, are large weasels (reaching around 10 pounds in weight) that actually do not fish at all. These voracious predators are more apt to be in the trees where they pursue game such as squirrels, turkeys, and even porcupines., All of these habitats come together to form a collage of landscapes ---offering natural beauty and a rich habitat for plants and animal wildlife, including some interesting and rare species.