Big Sandy Creek (Illinois) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Sandy Creek |
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|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Morgan County southeast of Jacksonville, Illinois 39°37′54″N 90°10′16″W / 39.6317141°N 90.1712282°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with the Illinois River, Scott County, Illinois 423 ft (129 m) 39°33′04″N 90°34′23″W / 39.5511587°N 90.5731814°W |
| Basin features | |
| GNIS ID | 417992 |
| Little Sandy Creek | |
|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Scott County west of Manchester, Illinois 39°32′04″N 90°20′32″W / 39.5344914°N 90.3423437°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with Big Sandy Creek approx. 1/3 mile above the Illinois River 423 ft (129 m) 39°33′07″N 90°34′01″W / 39.5519919°N 90.5670701°W |
| Basin features | |
| GNIS ID | 412409 |
Big Sandy Creek, sometimes called the Big Branch, is a stream in central Illinois. It is a tributary, which means it's a smaller stream that flows into a larger one. Big Sandy Creek flows into the Illinois River.
This creek collects water from a large area. This area includes parts of southwestern Morgan County and southern Scott County. Important places like Lake Jacksonville and the town of Winchester, Illinois are in this area.
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The Land Around Big Sandy Creek
Most of the land around Big Sandy Creek is used for farming. Farmers grow many crops there. The soil in this area is quite sandy.
How Farming Affects the Creek
Because the land is sandy, water can easily carry things into the creek. For example, fertilizer used on farms can wash into the water. This can add too much nitrogen to the creek. Too much nitrogen can cause problems for plants and animals living in the water.
Water from Towns
Towns like Jacksonville and Winchester also send their used water into the creek. This water is treated to make it safe. However, it can still add extra nutrients to the creek. This is another reason why it's important to keep our waterways clean.
Little Sandy Creek
Little Sandy Creek is another stream in the area. It is a tributary of Big Sandy Creek. This means Little Sandy Creek flows into Big Sandy Creek.
Where the Creeks Meet
The two streams, Big Sandy Creek and Little Sandy Creek, join together. They meet just a short distance before flowing into the Illinois River. This meeting point is across from a small place called Montezuma, Illinois.
How the Creeks Shape the River
The sandy material carried by these creeks may have helped form McEvers Island. This is an island made of silt in the Illinois River. It is located just below where the creeks flow into the river.
