It covers approximately 2,718 acres (1,100 ha) and is home to Bois Gérard Island in its center and Green Island to its north. With its 617 acres (250 ha) of forests and 26 miles (42 km) of shoreline, it constitutes the largest body of water in Lorraine and the second in volume (35 million cubic meters). Madine Lake was created as a drinking water reservoir for the city of Metz in 1971. Filled in 1976, it quickly became a primordial area for the fauna and flora of the region and a crossing point for migratory birds.