Niagara Falls still fascinates with history and beauty

Niagara+river+is+heavily+used+as+a+source+of+hydroelectric+power+in+the+United+States+and+Canada.+Close+to+a+mile+upriver+from+the+falls%2C+a+major+amount+of+river+water+is+guided+into+pipes+bringing+it+down+to+generating+stations+and+then+directed+to+huge+turbines.+

Jordan Waggoner

Niagara river is heavily used as a source of hydroelectric power in the United States and Canada. Close to a mile upriver from the falls, a major amount of river water is guided into pipes bringing it down to generating stations and then directed to huge turbines.

Jordan Waggoner, Photographer
January 28, 2022

Niagara falls is a small city located in New York State on the border between the United States and Ontario, Canada. The city is known for its grande waterfall falling with the waters of the Niagara River. (Jordan Waggoner)
Niagara Falls State Park was established in 1885 as the Niagara Reservation, making it the oldest state park in America. The falls themselves are comprised of 3 waterfalls including Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. (Jordan Wagggoner)
Over 8 million people visit Niagara every year to see this wonder, which spills over 3,160 tons of water each second at heights reaching 176 feet tall. (Jordan Waggoner)
On march 29, 1848 the flow of water was reduced to almost none due to an extreme amount of ice upstream. This is one of the only times Niagara has gotten close to completely frozen. Even at temperatures well below freezing the majority of frozen water comes from the mist of the falls landing on nearby objects. (Jordan Waggoner)
There is a large array of wildlife that has previously or currently lives in this area. Almost 300 bird species fly around Niagara and many smaller mammals, reptiles, and amphibians also make their home here. Less common species such as black bears, mountain lions and the venomous timber rattlesnake previously lived on this land but have more recently been driven out by human activity. In the water itself there is a wide array of fish including the Lake Sturgeon, which is one of many endangered species in the region. (Jordan Waggoner)
The observation tower at prospect point allows for a full view of all three falls where tourists can experience the view on an even greater scale (Jordan Waggoner)
Niagara river is heavily used as a source of hydroelectric power in the United States and Canada. Close to a mile upriver from the falls, a major amount of river water is guided into pipes bringing it down to generating stations and then directed to huge turbines. (Jordan Waggoner)
4 out of the 5 Great Lakes, including Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie, flow into Niagara falls which then drains into the last great lake known as Lake Ontario. Altogether these lakes make up one-fifth of the world’s fresh water. (Jordan Waggoner)
There are many ways of getting closer to the falls including boat tours. One of the most well known tour is called Maid of the Mist, which includes a 20 minute tour to the base of the falls, and souvenir rain panchos. (Jordan Waggoner)
Unsurprisingly, Niagara is one of the most fertile regions in the entirety of North America with over 40 percent of rare plants growing in the area. In this region alone there are around 70 different species of trees and up to 20,000 plants grow here annually. (Jordan Waggoner)