Black Meadow Creek facts for kids

Black Meadow Creek is a special stream, about 9.7 miles (15.6 kilometers) long, located in Orange County, New York, in the United States. It's like a smaller river that flows into a bigger one called the Otter Kill. From there, its water eventually joins the Moodna Creek and then the mighty Hudson River. This area is known for having many different kinds of plants and animals, making it a very important natural place in New York State.

Black Meadow Creek: A Home for Wildlife

Black Meadow Creek is a fantastic place for many animals. It's especially important for amphibians, which are creatures like frogs and salamanders.

Amazing Amphibians

Scientists call the creek area a "herpetological hot spot." This means it's a top spot for finding reptiles and amphibians. You can find 13 different kinds of salamanders living here!

The creek is also home to New York State's largest group of Northern Cricket Frogs. This tiny frog is very important because it's the only frog species in the state listed as "Endangered." This means it's at risk of disappearing forever, so protecting places like Black Meadow Creek is super important for their survival.

Majestic Birds

If you visit the creek, you might even spot a bald eagle! Several bald eagle nests have been found along the creek's banks. These large, powerful birds are a symbol of the United States, and seeing them in their natural home is a real treat.

Protecting the Creek

About half of Black Meadow Creek flows through a special area called a reservoir preserve. This land is owned by Orange County. Because it's a preserve, the land around the creek has been kept in its natural state for over 100 years. This helps protect the creek and all the animals that live there.

Where the Creek Flows

Black Meadow Creek starts in the town of Warwick, close to Glenmere Lake. It then flows north into the town of Chester. Finally, it joins the Otter Kill in the village of Chester.

Helping Hands for the Creek

Two groups, the Sugar Loaf Historical Society and the Glenmere Conservation Coalition, study and help protect the creek. They are non-profit organizations, which means they work to help the community and the environment, not to make money. They even have a small area on the creek where they can launch boats for their studies.

How Black Meadow Creek Got Its Name

The creek got its name from the early settlers who came to the area. They found a huge, dark, forested swamp along the creek's banks. They called this swamp the "Black Meadow." By the mid-1800s, much of this swamp land was changed into farms. Today, parts of the creek's original swampy area are still home to places like the Black Meadow Hunting Club and the Straub Farm.