Big Creek (Lake Erie) facts for kids

Big Creek is a cool waterway in Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada. It's about 60 kilometers (or 37 miles) long! This creek flows into Lake Erie near Port Rowan, right at the famous Long Point. The area of land that drains into Big Creek, called its watershed, is quite large, covering around 730 to 750 square kilometers (about 280 to 290 square miles).

Big Creek is super important because it's the biggest watershed in the whole Long Point Region. It helps keep the environment healthy and supports lots of plants and animals.

Where Does Big Creek Flow?

Big Creek winds its way through several places. The biggest town it passes through is Delhi, Ontario. As it travels, other smaller creeks join it, adding to its flow. For example, North Creek meets Big Creek near Delhi, and Venison Creek joins it a bit further downstream, past a place called Walsingham.

Reservoirs Along the Way

Even though there are many small dams along Big Creek and its branches, some larger reservoirs (which are like big storage lakes) have been created. These include the Teeterville Reservoir on Big Creek itself, the Lehman Reservoir on North Creek, and the Deer Creek reservoir. These reservoirs help manage water levels and provide water for different uses.

Exploring Big Creek: Fun for Nature Lovers

Big Creek is a fantastic spot for people who love nature and outdoor adventures! It's especially popular for what are called eco-tours.

Discovering Carolinian Forests

One of the coolest things about Big Creek is that you can find examples of a special type of forest called a Carolinian forest here. These forests are quite rare in Ontario, so seeing them along Big Creek is a real treat! They are home to many unique trees and plants that you might not find elsewhere in the province.

Canoeing Adventures

If you enjoy paddling, canoeing down Big Creek is a popular activity. The best time to go is usually between May 15th and September 15th. A canoe trip from the Langton area all the way to the Long Point area can take about 6 hours. It's a great way to see the beautiful scenery and wildlife up close.

Big Creek and the United Nations

The area around the mouth of Big Creek is very special. In 1986, the United Nations recognized the Big Creek Marsh, which is where Big Creek meets Lake Erie at the tip of Long Point. This marsh became part of something called the Long Point Biosphere Reserve.

What is a Biosphere Reserve?

A Biosphere Reserve is a place recognized internationally for its unique natural environment and for how people live and work in harmony with nature there. The Long Point Biosphere Reserve is important for protecting wetlands and wildlife.

How Long Point Was Formed

Long Point itself is a long, narrow piece of land that sticks out into Lake Erie. It formed over many years because of the lake's currents. Lake Erie has a current that moves in a clockwise direction. This current carried tiny bits of sand and sediment, which slowly built up to create the sandy peninsula we know as Long Point. The east side of this sandy land was naturally a marshy, wet area. In 1927, the Long Point Causeway was built, which changed some of the natural flow in the area.