Finger Lakes

Finger Lakes
NASA · Public domain · source
Name	Finger Lakes
Location	New York
Length	80 km (50 mi)

Finger Lakes is a region in western New York, characterized by a group of long, narrow lakes, including Cayuga Lake, Seneca Lake, Keuka Lake, Skaneateles Lake, Owasco Lake, Canandaigua Lake, and Conesus Lake. The region is situated near the cities of Rochester and Syracuse, and is known for its natural beauty, with attractions like Taughannock Falls State Park, Watkins Glen State Park, and the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. The area is also home to several prestigious institutions, including Cornell University and the New York State College of Agriculture and Technology. Visitors to the region can explore the Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls and the George Eastman Museum in Rochester.

Geography

The Finger Lakes region is located in the western part of New York, near the cities of Ithaca and Auburn. The region's unique geography is characterized by a series of long, narrow lakes, including Cayuga Lake, which is the longest of the Finger Lakes, and Seneca Lake, which is the deepest. The lakes are surrounded by hills and valleys, with attractions like Buttermilk Falls State Park and the High Tor Wildlife Management Area. The region is also home to several notable waterfalls, including Taughannock Falls and Watkins Glen. Visitors to the area can explore the Finger Lakes National Forest and the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway, which runs along the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake and passes through the towns of Ithaca and Trumansburg.

Climate

The Finger Lakes region has a continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers, similar to other areas in the northeastern United States, such as Vermont and New Hampshire. The region's climate is influenced by its proximity to the Great Lakes, particularly Lake Ontario, which helps to moderate temperatures and precipitation patterns. The area is known for its significant snowfall, with average annual snowfall totals ranging from 60 to 100 inches, comparable to other snowy regions like Alaska and Colorado. The region's climate is also characterized by a growing season of approximately 160 days, making it suitable for a variety of crops, including grapes and apples, which are grown in the region's many vineyards and orchards, such as the Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard and the Red Tail Ridge Winery.

History

The Finger Lakes region has a rich and diverse history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Paleoindian period, around 10,000 years ago. The region was originally inhabited by the Iroquois Confederacy, a powerful and influential Native American tribe that played a significant role in the region's early history, including the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War. The area was later settled by European-Americans, who established towns and cities like Ithaca and Geneva, and developed the region's economy, which was initially based on agriculture and lumbering. The region is also home to several historic sites, including the Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls and the Harriet Tubman Home in Auburn, which commemorate the lives and achievements of notable figures like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Harriet Tubman.

Tourism

The Finger Lakes region is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from across the United States and around the world, including Canada and Europe. The area is known for its natural beauty, with attractions like Watkins Glen State Park, Taughannock Falls State Park, and the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, which offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, and birdwatching. The region is also home to several wineries and breweries, including the Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard and the Ithaca Beer Company, which offer wine and beer tastings, as well as tours and other events. Visitors to the area can also explore the region's many museums and galleries, such as the Corning Museum of Glass and the Everson Museum of Art, which showcase the region's rich cultural heritage, including the works of artists like Thomas Cole and Frederic Remington.

Ecology

The Finger Lakes region is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including several that are found nowhere else in the world, such as the Finger Lakes water chestnut and the Seneca white deer. The area's unique ecology is characterized by a mix of temperate deciduous forest and temperate coniferous forest, with tree species like oak, maple, and pine dominating the landscape. The region's lakes and streams are home to a variety of fish species, including trout, bass, and walleye, which are popular with anglers and support a significant fishing industry. The area is also an important stopover point for migratory birds, including waterfowl like ducks and geese, which can be seen at places like the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge and the Cayuga Lake Basin.

Economy

The Finger Lakes region has a diverse economy, with a mix of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The area is known for its production of grapes and wine, with several notable wineries and vineyards, including the Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard and the Fox Run Vineyards. The region is also home to several major employers, including Cornell University and the New York State College of Agriculture and Technology, which are located in Ithaca and have a significant impact on the local economy. The area's natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities also support a significant tourism industry, with visitors drawn to attractions like Watkins Glen State Park and the Finger Lakes National Forest. The region is also home to several notable companies, including the Corning Incorporated and the Xerox Corporation, which have facilities in the area and contribute to the local economy. Category:Regions of New York