Here we are now coming to our final stop, The Ending Point by the name of Cenaiko Lake. This lake is on the left side of the trail, sandwiching the path between it and the river. There is a pavilion in this location and a lookout spot as well. This is where I saw the most biodiversity not only in just plant species but animal species as well. With open space to fish, visitors are welcome to try their hand at catching some rainbow trout or a smallmouth bass. Boats aren’t allowed on this lake, due to its size, so it makes for a perfect watch spot. Take in the warm summer sun or chilly winter air all season long. This spot is a personal favorite of mine because of its high level of biodiversity. In the summer, you are able to see birds of all kinds, bluejays, eagles, chickadees and robins, just to name a few. Also common are the turtles, cranes and adorable buzzing bees. In the winter, spot the graceful dear, beavers in the dams of the lake and the occasional fox trotting along.
Now, let’s take a moment to consider how this land would look if it wasn’t well kept. The lake could be ridden with leftover fish hooks and line, the shoreline could be dusted with picnic leftovers and other unwanted items. This would lead to unhealthy water pH balance causing fish to die and animals to potentially be exposed to disease and sickness.
In fact, this spot has unfortunately come to be a location contaminated by invasive species and other unwelcome fish. Many eurasian waterfoil cling to motor-less fishing boats, so check yours before leaving the area. According to the DNR, Cenaiko lake was meant to be a space primarily for trout to be bred and kept for fishing. But since, outsiders have added unwanted fish species to this body of water. Ultimately, leading to other issues as well (MN, DNR 2021). Some of you might wonder, “why is expanding the biodiversity in the lake so bad? Isn’t this tour about the park's biodiversity as a whole?” And you’d be right about one thing. This is about all the different species we can encounter here.
However, it’s also about the conservation of these public lands and species. The city and park workers have been putting their best efforts forth to keep this space a clean and safe habitat. Like enforcing stricter fishing laws and placing warning signs around this space as well. This space wasn’t meant to be a large diverse fish breeding ground, it was for a specific type to help expand their numbers and to create a safe space for those who enjoy fishing trout.