The Northshore Earthscape |
of Lake Ennis by Bob Dvorak
Click on highlighted words As glaciers rolled across the landscape of Northeastern Minnesota, they
left enormous ice boulders Lake Ennis is located about ten miles out of Ely, Minnesota, which is only about a half an hour drive from the Canadian Border. It is the last lake located on the Secret/Blackstone trail, being created by a glacial cut has created this unique ecosystem. Much of the soil has been filled with rich nutrients. Walking along the trail one can see a diversity of trees, from coniferous pines to deciduous paper birch. The forest environment is strong and stable due to reduced usage and protective measures by the DNR and forestry service to keep the trail natural and wild. The soil filled by glacial till is very rich. The adequate
resources provide an amiable Despite being engulfed by rock, plants are able to survive. Lichens are a common occurrence all over the rocks. Lichens are a symbiotic pairing of algae and fungi. Algae provides the lichens with food production and fungi anchor the lichen to the rock and break the rock down to supply nutrients for the relationship. Pines loom large over the cliffs as they have worked their way through cracks and crevasses to establish a foothold on the bluffs. The cliffs are suited for many small creatures as chipmunks and squirrels dance dangerously around the edge and birds fly high and nest in the trees. With a solid rock base, the Lake provides some of the clearest
water around. Being as pure and natural as it is, the lake is perfect
for a freshwater ecosystem One can sit atop their choice of the great cliffs and see a beautiful reflection in the lake as the sun sets on another day or they can wake up to the mist or the water from a beautiful sunrise. With life everywhere and water flowing freely through the circle of life, Lake Ennis is perfect example of many ecosystems working in perfect harmony.
With the populations of beavers and birds that inhabit the wetland areas
of Lake Ennis, a unique marsh ecosystem is created.
The cliffs of Lake Ennis have become a common spot for sport climbers
and recreational climbing. Its straight flat faces and gentle grades provide
excellent areas for the novice repeller and climber. |
in their path. As the glaciers
crept past, these enormous boulders remained, leaving an impression in the
land and melting to form lakes. Cuts like these are what caused Lake Ennis.
environment for 
as plants line the shores and trout
fill the water. It acts as a watering hole as deer come to drink and beavers
to work.
Back to the Northshore Earthscape
Looking entirely
different from the rocky cliffs and bluffs that surround the lake, this
marsh is a habitat that can support numerous species of waterfowl, mammals,
and wildlife. It adds even more color with its green plants to the already
rich environment of the ecosystem.
the water is crystal
clear and blue as the sky. Rocks can be seen as they taper off down into
this deep lake. The shoreline is amazing as you step off into areas with
a depth of 20 or more feet just a few yards away from the shoreline. Along
with the great cliffs surrounding this deep lake, Ennis is one of the few
safe spots where individuals can overcome their fear of heights and take
an amazing cliff dive into this cool Minnesota lake. With dives from 20
to 50 ft., Lake Ennis is the perfect spot for the beginning or expert thrill
seekers. One can look off a cliff into the deep blue water before taking
that exhilarating step of the ledge and into a free fall towards the surface.
Despite having
such elementary climbs and repels, Ennis does have some of the more challenging
climbs of the area. This spot has increased in usage over just the last
three years and is becoming a mainstay for the Outward Bound program and
other outdoor adventure classes