Cathance River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cathance River |
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View at Bowdoinham c. 1912
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| Country | United States |
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| Main source | Maine |
The Cathance River is a 16.4-mile-long (26.4 km) river located in the state of Maine, United States. This river flows into a special place called Merrymeeting Bay.
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Discover the Cathance River
The Cathance River is a beautiful natural waterway in Maine. It stretches for about 26 kilometers (16.4 miles). Rivers like the Cathance are important for nature and for people. They provide homes for animals and offer places for fun activities.
Where Does the River Begin and End?
The Cathance River starts in a town called Bowdoin. It forms where two smaller streams, West Cathance and East Cathance, join together. From there, the river flows south into the town of Topsham.
The river then changes direction, turning east and then northeast. It reaches a point called "tidewater" near the village of Cathance, which is also in Topsham. Tidewater means the river's water level is affected by the ocean's tides.
After this, the Cathance River continues northeast into the town of Bowdoinham. For its final journey, the river turns south again. It then flows directly into the unique Merrymeeting Bay.
What is Merrymeeting Bay?
Merrymeeting Bay is not a typical bay. It's actually a freshwater tidal delta. This means it's a large area where several rivers meet and mix their freshwater before flowing into the ocean. The bay's water levels still rise and fall with the ocean's tides, even though the water itself is mostly fresh.
Six different rivers flow into Merrymeeting Bay. These include the Cathance River, along with the Kennebec, Androscoggin, Abagadasset, Muddy, and Eastern rivers. This makes Merrymeeting Bay a very important natural habitat.
Wildlife and Nature
The Cathance River and Merrymeeting Bay are home to many different kinds of plants and animals. The river's waters support various fish species. The surrounding areas provide habitats for birds, mammals, and insects.
The river's banks are often lined with trees and other plants. These plants help keep the river healthy by preventing soil from washing away. They also provide shelter and food for wildlife.
Fun Activities on the River
People living near the Cathance River can enjoy many outdoor activities. These might include:
- Paddling in canoes or kayaks
- Fishing for local fish
- Observing wildlife like birds and other animals
- Hiking along trails near the river
The river offers a peaceful escape and a chance to connect with nature. It's a great place to learn about local ecosystems.
