Buck Run (West Branch Brandywine Creek tributary) facts for kids

Buck Run is a stream located in Chester County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It flows into the West Branch Brandywine Creek. This stream is about 17.2 miles (27.7 km) long, which is roughly the distance of a half-marathon! It passes through several townships and towns, including Pomeroy.

The area of land that drains into Buck Run, called its watershed, covers about 48.6 square miles (126 km²). Buck Run has two smaller streams, or tributaries, that flow into it: Doe Run and Birch Run. The water in Buck Run is slightly alkaline and contains various natural substances like metals and nonmetals. You can find different types of rocks like shale, sandstone, and limestone in the area around the stream.

Over the years, many bridges have been built across Buck Run, including three special covered bridges. In the past, several mills used the stream's power to operate. Today, you might spot cool insects like mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies near the water. Plus, trout fish live in the stream!

Where Does Buck Run Flow?

Buck Run starts its journey south of State Hill in West Sadsbury Township. It flows generally southeast, crossing major roads like Pennsylvania Route 10 and U.S. Route 30.

As it continues, the stream flows through a valley. It then forms part of the border between Highland Township and East Fallowfield Township. Here, it is joined by its tributary, Birch Run.

Further along, Buck Run starts to meander, meaning it winds and curves a lot, through East Fallowfield Township and West Marlborough Township. It then meets its other tributary, Doe Run. Finally, Buck Run turns northeast and enters Newlin Township, where it flows south-southeast until it joins the Brandywine Creek.

Buck Run meets the Brandywine Creek about 10.50 miles (16.90 km) upstream from the Brandywine's mouth.

Buck Run's Smaller Streams

Buck Run has two main tributaries:

• Birch Run: This stream joins Buck Run about 7.85 miles (12.63 km) before Buck Run ends. Its watershed covers about 5.30 square miles (13.7 km²).
• Doe Run: This stream flows into Buck Run about 2.50 miles (4.02 km) before Buck Run ends. Its watershed is larger, at about 21.70 square miles (56.2 km²).

How Much Water is in Buck Run?

The amount of water flowing in Buck Run, called its discharge, changes throughout the year. It can range from 3.9 to 44 cubic feet per second, but on average, it's about 20.3 cubic feet per second.

The water temperature in the fall and early winter (October, November, December) usually ranges from 3.8 °C (38.8 °F) to 15.0 °C (59.0 °F). The water is generally a bit alkaline, with a pH between 7.0 and 7.8. This means it's not too acidic or too basic. The amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, which fish and other aquatic life need to breathe, is usually between 9.2 and 14.5 milligrams per liter.

Scientists also measure tiny amounts of dissolved substances in the water, like sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. These are all naturally present in the environment.

Land and Rocks Around Buck Run

The land around Buck Run is quite varied. Near where it joins the Brandywine Creek, the elevation is about 226 feet (69 m) above sea level. Where it starts, the elevation is much higher, between 680 feet (210 m) and 700 feet (210 m) above sea level. This difference in height means the stream flows downhill at an average rate of about 31.8 feet (9.7 m) for every mile it travels.

The path of Buck Run is quite winding and curvy. The area around its watershed is often described as "broken and hilly." However, in some places, the stream flows through narrow valleys with steep hills on either side.

Most of the land that Buck Run flows through is made up of rock formations like shale and sandstone. You can also find some limestone formations nearby. The amount of precipitation (rain and snow) in the watershed each year is typically between 40 to 50 inches (100 to 130 cm).

History of Buck Run

Buck Run has been an important part of the local area for a long time. It was officially added to the Geographic Names Information System in 1979.

Many bridges have been built over Buck Run throughout history. Some were built as early as the late 1800s, and new ones continue to be added, with the most recent in 2002. There are also three special covered bridges over the stream, including the Speakman Bridge. Two others, the Mary Ann Pyle Bridge and the Hayes Clark Bridge, are on private land.

In the past, Buck Run was a busy place for mills. As early as the 1700s, William Dickie owned a mill on the stream. There were even several papermills and rolling mills that used the stream's power. One of these, the Rokeby Papermill, was said to be where the very first rolling mill in the United States was located!

For a long time, the main activity in the Buck Run watershed was agriculture (farming). The Pennsylvania Railroad also used to cross the watershed and run alongside the stream between Pomeroy and the community of Buck Run. In the early 1900s, important towns in the watershed included Parkesburg, Pomeroy, Doe Run, and Sadsburyville.

Animals and Nature

Buck Run is a healthy place for many creatures! The variety of insect species, especially mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies, shows that the stream has "excellent stream quality." This means the water is clean and supports a lot of life.

Buck Run is also special because it's the only natural path, or wildlife corridor, that crosses US Route 30 in Chester County. This helps animals move safely across the landscape.

The stream is known as approved trout waters, meaning it's a good place for trout to live and be fished. However, it's not classified as a "High-Quality Coldwater Fishery" or "Exceptional Value stream," which are special categories for very pristine waters.