Callender Gap Creek facts for kids

Callender Gap Creek (sometimes called Calender Gap Creek) is a small stream in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. It flows into the Lackawanna River. This creek is about 0.8 miles (1.3 km) long. It runs through the towns of Archbald and Jermyn. The area of land that drains into the creek, called its watershed, is about 0.76 square miles (2.0 km²).

Sadly, the creek often loses all its water and is considered "impaired," meaning it's not as healthy as it should be. However, it's still a "coldwater fishery," which means its cool waters are good for certain types of fish.

Where Does the Creek Flow?

Callender Gap Creek starts in the town of Archbald. It flows towards the northeast for a short distance. Then, it enters the town of Jermyn and crosses a street.

After that, the creek turns and flows towards the east-southeast. It crosses several more streets before it reaches the Lackawanna River and joins it.

Why Is the Creek Impaired?

Callender Gap Creek is an "impaired" stream. This means its water quality isn't as good as it should be. The main problems are:

• Siltation: This is when fine dirt and mud, called silt, build up in the creek. This can make the water cloudy and harm plants and animals that live there.
• Abandoned Mine Drainage: This comes from old, unused mines. Water that flows through these mines can pick up harmful chemicals and metals, then drain into the creek.

The creek often loses all its water, especially during dry periods. It mostly helps to drain stormwater from homes in Jermyn. In the past, some waste materials were drained into the creek, which caused problems. The town of Jermyn has worked to manage stormwater better to protect the creek.

Geography and Surroundings

The land around Callender Gap Creek is interesting. Near where the creek joins the Lackawanna River, the ground is about 928 feet (283 m) above sea level. Where the creek begins, its source, the elevation is a bit higher, between 1,040 and 1,060 feet (320 and 320 m) above sea level.

The creek's natural path, or stream channel, has been changed a lot by human activity. It's hidden in some places because of past strip mining in the area. Also, parts of the creek flow through culverts, which are like large pipes or tunnels underground.

Wildlife and Conservation Efforts

The entire area that drains into Callender Gap Creek is located within the Carbondale area, as mapped by the United States Geological Survey.

People are working to help Callender Gap Creek. In the early 2000s, a plan called the Lackawanna River Watershed Conservation Plan suggested restoring the natural habitat where Callender Gap Creek meets the Lackawanna River. This area is a nice spot with maple trees, a war memorial, and picnic tables. The creek is important for aquatic life, meaning it supports fish and other water creatures.

Because it's a "coldwater fishery," Callender Gap Creek is a good home for fish that need cool water to survive.

History of the Creek

Callender Gap Creek was officially added to the Geographic Names Information System (a database of place names) on November 1, 1989.

In the early 2000s, the Lackawanna River Watershed Conservation Plan also suggested that the towns of Archbald and Jermyn should include protecting Callender Gap Creek in their town plans. There was also an idea to build a park where the creek meets the Lackawanna River. This park could be a special "Heritage Landing" for Jermyn and connect to the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, a popular walking and biking path.