Lake Erie is the southernmost of the five Great Lakes of North America and is bordered by four US states and one Canadian province. Its western end is located near the city of Toledo, Ohio, while its eastern end is located near Buffalo, New York. With a surface area of approximately 62,615 acres, it is the fourth largest of the Great Lakes and has a maximum depth of 210 feet. It is also the shallowest of the Great Lakes, with an average depth of just 62 feet. The lake has played an important role in the history and economy of the region. The lake and its shoreline have been home to Native American tribes for thousands of years, and later served as a key transportation and shipping route for goods such as lumber, coal, and iron ore. Today, Lake Erie remains an important source of freshwater for the region and supports a thriving fishing industry, as well as tourism and recreation activities. The Lake Erie shoreline is dotted with many towns and cities, including Cleveland, Ohio and Buffalo, New York, which offer a wide range of cultural and recreational activities. The lake itself is popular for a variety of water sports, including swimming, boating, fishing, and sailing. There are numerous marinas, boat ramps, and public access points along the shoreline, making it easy to enjoy the lake's many recreational opportunities. Lake Erie also has a rich ecosystem, with a variety of fish species, including walleye, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass, as well as many species of birds, including bald eagles and great blue herons. The lake is also an important habitat for several endangered species, including the lake sturgeon and the Piping Plover. Despite its importance to the region, Lake Erie has faced a number of environmental challenges over the years, including pollution and harmful algal blooms caused by excessive nutrient runoff. Efforts are underway to address these challenges and ensure that the lake remains a vibrant and healthy ecosystem for generations to come.