Blue Mountain Stream facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blue Mountain Stream |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Middle Branch Grass River Newbridge, New York 1,222 ft (372 m) 44°21′27″N 74°55′13″W / 44.35750°N 74.92028°W |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 14.2 sq mi (37 km2) |
The Blue Mountain Stream is a small waterway located in New York State, United States. It is an important part of the local water system, joining with another stream to form a larger river. This stream helps carry water through the landscape, supporting local plants and animals.
Contents
Where is Blue Mountain Stream?
The Blue Mountain Stream is found in the northern part of New York, specifically in St. Lawrence County. It flows through a natural area before meeting another stream.
Joining Other Waterways
The Blue Mountain Stream flows into the Middle Branch Grass River. This meeting point is near a place called Newbridge, New York. At this spot, something interesting happens: the Blue Mountain Stream and another stream, called Pleasant Lake Stream, come together. When these two streams combine, they officially become the Middle Branch Grass River. This means the Blue Mountain Stream is like a smaller "feeder" stream for the larger river.
What is a River Basin?
Every river, including the Middle Branch Grass River that Blue Mountain Stream feeds into, is part of a larger area called a river basin. A basin is like a big bowl where all the rain and snowmelt collect and drain into a single river or stream. The Blue Mountain Stream's basin covers about 14.2 square miles. This area includes all the land where water flows into the stream. Understanding river basins helps us see how all parts of a water system are connected.
Why are Streams Important?
Streams like Blue Mountain Stream play a big role in nature. They are vital for several reasons:
- Habitat for Wildlife: Streams provide homes for many creatures, including fish, insects, and amphibians. Animals on land also use streams for drinking water.
- Water Supply: Streams contribute to the overall water supply for an area. This water can eventually be used by people for drinking, farming, and other needs.
- Shaping the Land: Over time, streams help shape the landscape by carrying away soil and rocks. This process creates valleys and other landforms.
- Connecting Ecosystems: Streams link different natural areas together. They allow plants and animals to move between places and help nutrients travel through the environment.
Protecting Our Waterways
It's important to keep streams and rivers clean and healthy. Pollution from litter, chemicals, or other sources can harm the plants and animals that live in and around the water. Protecting streams like Blue Mountain Stream helps keep our environment balanced and ensures clean water for everyone.
