Mystic Lakes
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| Mystic Lakes | |
|---|---|
| Name | Mystic Lakes |
| Location | Massachusetts, United States |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Inflow | Mystic River |
| Outflow | Mystic River |
| Cities | Arlington, Medford, Winchester |
Mystic Lakes. The Mystic Lakes are a pair of interconnected reservoirs located along the course of the Mystic River in the Greater Boston area. Formed by historic dams, they serve as a significant water body for several Middlesex County communities and a central feature of the regional Mystic River Watershed. These lakes provide critical habitat, popular recreational space, and are a focal point for ongoing environmental conservation efforts within the Massachusetts metropolitan area.
Geography and Hydrology
The Mystic Lakes consist of two primary basins, known as Upper Mystic Lake and Lower Mystic Lake, situated within the municipalities of Arlington, Medford, and Winchester. They are impounded by dams constructed on the Mystic River, which flows from the Aberjona River watershed north of Boston and eventually discharges into the Boston Harbor. The larger Upper Mystic Lake is fed by the main river channel and several smaller tributaries, while the Lower Mystic Lake receives outflow from the upper basin. The lakes are integral components of the broader Mystic River Watershed system, managed in part by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. Their hydrology is influenced by both natural precipitation patterns and urban runoff from surrounding developed areas.
History and Development
The area surrounding the Mystic Lakes has been significant since the pre-colonial era, being part of the ancestral lands of the Massachusett people. European settlement in the 17th century, led by figures like John Winthrop, transformed the landscape for agriculture and milling. The lakes themselves were largely created in the 19th century with the construction of more substantial dams to support the Industrial Revolution in New England, powering mills for industries such as those in nearby Lowell and Lawrence. The Upper Mystic Lake Dam was notably rebuilt in the 1860s. The Metropolitan Park System of Greater Boston, championed by landscape architect Charles Eliot, later helped preserve shoreline areas from further industrial development, shaping their modern recreational character.
Ecology and Conservation
The Mystic Lakes support a diverse aquatic ecosystem, including populations of largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and various species of waterfowl. However, the lakes face ongoing environmental challenges typical of urban water bodies, including eutrophication, pollution from stormwater runoff, and invasive species like water chestnut. Conservation efforts are spearheaded by organizations such as the Mystic River Watershed Association and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. These groups monitor water quality, organize invasive species removals, and promote habitat restoration projects under guidelines from the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Water Act. The lakes are also part of the Mystic River Reservation, a protected green space.
Recreation and Public Access
The Mystic Lakes are a hub for year-round outdoor activities, managed largely by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. The surrounding reservation parkland features extensive trails for walking, running, and cycling, including connections to the Minuteman Bikeway and the Alewife Brook Reservation. Sailing and rowing are prominent, with facilities operated by the Tufts University sailing team and community organizations like the Mystic Lakes Sailing Association. In winter, the lakes attract ice skaters and ice fishermen. Public access is provided via several parks and boat launches, including spots along the Mystic River Parkway, though swimming is generally prohibited due to water quality concerns.
Cultural Significance
The Mystic Lakes have been a source of artistic inspiration and community identity for generations. They feature in local folklore and have been depicted by artists associated with the New England landscape tradition. The lakes serve as a scenic backdrop for community events and are a defining natural landmark for residents of Arlington, Medford, and Winchester. Their presence influenced the development of the Olmsted Brothers-designed park system in the area. The annual Mystic River Herring Run festival celebrates the ecological and cultural connection to the watershed, drawing participants from across the Greater Boston region.