Catfish Creek (Lake Erie, Elgin) facts for kids

Catfish Creek is a cool creek located in Elgin County, which is in southwestern Ontario, Canada. It flows into the northern part of Lake Erie.

Discovering Catfish Creek

Catfish Creek starts its journey in the northwest area of a town called Aylmer. From there, it generally flows south until it reaches Lake Erie at a place called Port Bruce. It's a really important creek because it runs through a special type of forest known as a Carolinian forest.

Where Does Catfish Creek Flow?

The creek passes by or through a couple of communities during its flow:

• Aylmer, Ontario
• Port Bruce, Ontario

The Special Carolinian Forest

One of the most interesting parts of Catfish Creek is an area just northwest of Port Bruce. This spot is called the Catfish Creek Slope and Floodplain Forest. It's a very unique "Area of Natural and Scientific Interest." This means it's a place recognized for its special plants, animals, and landforms.

This amazing area covers about 233 hectares (that's like 575 football fields!). It's home to some of the most endangered (at risk of disappearing) habitats in Canada. It sits right in the middle of the Carolinian Zone of Southern Ontario. This zone is special because it has plants and animals that you usually find much further south, like in the Carolinas in the United States! The forest here is mature, meaning the trees are old and well-grown, providing a perfect home for many different kinds of plants and animals.

Images for kids

Catfish Creek near Port Bruce.

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  Catfish Creek near Port Bruce