The "Lake" was formed when sandy soil was excavated to create the base for Six Mile Cypress Parkway. Since that time Gator Lake was formed from rain and groundwaters. Plants and animals moved in to create a fresh water lake community.

While three sides of Gator Lake have steep vertical drops, the fourth side was graded to a more natural slope and planted with native tree and aquatic species to provide a feeding area for wading birds. Some species found here include the Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron, Tri-colored Heron, White Ibis, and occasionally Wood Storks and Roseate Spoonbills.