Great Lakes Untamed: Source to Sea explores the vital role the Great Lakes watershed plays as one of the world’s largest freshwater ecosystems.
Following the flow of water as it travels like one big river, the Great Lakes cover over 4,000 kilometres of coastline, more than anywhere else in North America and are home to more than 3,500 plant and animal species. Each of the five lakes has a unique nature and inter-relationship with the wildlife that depends on its ecosystem for survival.
Lake Superior is the largest and most northern of the Great Lakes. It is here that we witness the intricate correlation between beavers and wolves who control the purity and flow of water into the lake. This in turn creates a paradise for the loons that depend upon its clear waters to hunt fish.
Lake Michigan is next. More populated and a major trade route, Lake Michigan is home to the largest freshwater sand dunes in the world and one of North America’s most endangered species of birds – the piping plover. It’s also threatened by one of the continent’s most dangerous invasive species. Silver carp have been introduced into the Michigan River and are now only a few miles from Lake Michigan. In a race against time, scientists find innovative ways to prevent them from entering this ecosystem.
When we reach Lake Huron, we explore one of the largest concentrations of shipwrecks in the world. Each vessel is like a time capsule that reveals the tragic tales of ships sunk and lives lost.
Lake Erie, the shallowest and most southerly Lake, is a bi-annual stopping point for millions of migrating birds and home to the endangered Blue Racer snake, a large, non-venomous reptile that grows to 1.5 meters and is only known to inhabit the shores of Pelee Island in Western Lake Erie. Moving down the shoreline we encounter Niagara Falls, the most powerful waterfall in the world with over 168,000 cubic metres flowing through the falls every minute.
Lake Ontario is home to the largest population of cormorants in the world. Close to extinction, this success story is an inspiring illustration of how human intervention, protected greenspaces and improved management can help the lakes recover and thrive.
Draining into the lake is the Ottawa River, often referred to as the 6th of the Great Lakes because of the enormous quantity of clean water flowing through it. Far below, a vast, newly discovered giant underwater cave system is discovered that harbours millions of native mussels that filter the water and provide us with an important look at the healthy ecosystem that once existed throughout the Great Lakes waterways.
It will take 200 years for a drop of water to flow from the source of Lake Superior to the mouth of the St. Lawrence River, the largest estuary on Earth and a rich feeding ground for thousands of whales and over one million seals.