There is a rich diversity of plant and animal life in Lake County. Fourteen state endangered plants and animals and twenty-one state threatened plants and animals have been found in the Lake Metroparks. Many of these species are associated with the Grand River, a state-designated wild and scenic river. Other rare species are associated with the Lake Erie coastline and its associated beaches and marshes. Northeast Ohio is a meeting area for the northern Allegheny and the central Appalachian Forests. Upland oak forests are similar to those found in the central and southern Appalachians whereas the ridgetops and valley bluffs are similar to hemlock forests you would find in the Allegheny forests of Pennsylvania and New York. This mixing of forest types helps add to the diversity of plants found in Lake County. This diversity in plants and habitats also add to the diversity of animals found. Over 150 species of breeding birds has been documented in Lake County. Lake Metroparks protects a wide variety of habitats and actively manages these habitats to insure that they will be here for future generations to enjoy.
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