Collington Branch facts for kids
Collington Branch is a stream in Prince George's County, Maryland. It flows into the Western Branch of the Patuxent River.
Contents
Where the Water Comes From
The Collington Branch gets water from a few places. One is Woodward Pond, which is sometimes called Foxhill Lake. Another is Allen Pond, a ten-acre lake made by people. Both of these ponds drain their water into the Collington Branch.
Keeping the Stream Clean
One of the main problems for the Collington Branch is sediment. Sediment is like tiny bits of dirt and rock that get into the water. This happens because of erosion, which is when soil washes away.
This dirt comes from several places in nearby communities like Highbridge Park and Tulip Grove in Bowie, Maryland. For example:
- Dirt washes off from construction sites.
- Rainwater (called stormwater runoff) carries dirt, extra fertilizer, and pet waste from lawns into the stream.
These things can make the water dirty and harm the plants and animals that live in the stream.
A Bit of History
Long ago, in 1696, the Council of Maryland divided Prince George's County into special areas called "Hundreds." The Collington Branch was an important natural boundary. It marked the border between two of these areas: the Collington Hundred and the Patuxent Hundred.
Parks and Trails Nearby
Even though the Collington Branch is a small stream, it's connected to some local parks.
- Foxhill Park has a small stream that flows into the Collington Branch.
- Collington Branch Park in Bowie, Maryland is named after the stream. It's located at 15532 Peach Walker Drive, but the stream doesn't flow right next to the park itself.
There are also plans for a new trail! The Collington Branch is expected to have a multi-use trail built along it. This trail will connect the towns of Bowie and Upper Marlboro. Back in 2000, a group called the Prince George's County Bicycle and Trails Advisory Group said this trail was one of the top priorities for the county.
