Broad Creek (Susquehanna River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Broad Creek |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | Maryland |
| Region | Harford County |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | near Pennsylvania state line 650 ft (200 m) 39°43′11″N 76°25′12″W / 39.719827°N 76.419962°W |
| River mouth | Conowingo Reservoir (Susquehanna River) 108 ft (33 m) 39°41′56″N 76°14′14″W / 39.698994°N 76.237178°W |
| Length | 17 mi (27 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 40.6 sq mi (105 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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Broad Creek is a cool stream in Harford County, Maryland. It's like a smaller river that flows into the mighty Susquehanna River. This creek is about 17 miles (27 km) long. It starts near the border of Pennsylvania and ends in the Conowingo Reservoir.
Contents
Where Does Broad Creek Start and Go?
Broad Creek begins its journey close to the Pennsylvania state line. It starts on the west side of Constitution Road. From there, it flows generally southeast through a town called Pylesville, Maryland. After that, it turns northeast for the rest of its path.
Journey Through Special Places
As Broad Creek flows, it passes through some interesting areas. For its last five miles, it travels through land owned by two main groups. First, it goes through property belonging to the Baltimore Area Council of the B.S.A.. Then, it flows through land owned by the Exelon power company.
Broad Creek Scout Reservation
A big part of the creek's journey is through the Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation. This is a special place for Boy Scouts. Here, the creek was dammed in 1948 to create a lake called Lake Aaron Straus. This lake is a great spot for activities at the camp.
Ancient History and Nature's Wonders
Near the scout reservation, you can find the Broad Creek Soapstone Quarries. This is an archaeological site from the Late Archaic Period. This means people lived and worked here a very long time ago!
Downstream from the scout dam, the creek forms a really cool gorge. A gorge is like a deep, narrow valley with steep sides. This gorge is home to the biggest and oldest group of eastern hemlock trees in Maryland, east of the Allegheny Front. These trees are very old and tall! About two miles before it reaches its end, Broad Creek flows into the Conowingo Reservoir.
What is a Watershed?
The area of land that drains water into Broad Creek is called its watershed. Think of it like a giant funnel where all the rain and snow eventually flow into the creek. Broad Creek's watershed covers about 40.6 square miles (105 km2). Most of this area is in Harford County, Maryland. However, small parts of it are in York County, Pennsylvania. These small parts are near towns like Fawn Grove, Whiteford, Maryland, and Delta.
How the Land is Used
The main ways people use the land in the Broad Creek watershed are for agriculture (farming) and forest (trees). This means you'll see lots of farms and wooded areas along the creek's path.
Images for kids
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Looking west and upstream from the Route 623 bridge (Flintville Road)
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Looking east and downstream from same bridge
