Cranberry River (Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cranberry River |
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Cranberry River in South Spencer, Massachusetts
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Cranberry Meadow Pond Spencer, Massachusetts 755 feet (230 m) 42°11′24″N 72°00′04″W / 42.190°N 72.001°W |
| River mouth | Seven Mile River 630 feet (190 m) 42°13′45″N 72°01′01″W / 42.2293°N 72.0170°W |
| Length | 3.7 miles (6.0 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 12 square miles (31 km2) |
The Cranberry River is a small but important river in central Massachusetts. It's part of a bigger water system called the Chicopee River Watershed. Think of a watershed as a giant bowl where all the rain and snowmelt drain into one main river.
This river starts its journey in a place called Cranberry Meadow Pond. This pond is located in a town called Spencer, Massachusetts. From there, the Cranberry River flows north for about 3.7 miles (6.0 km). That's roughly the length of 60 football fields! It eventually joins up with another river, the Sevenmile River, just southwest of Spencer.
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What is the Cranberry River?
The Cranberry River is a natural waterway. It plays a role in the local environment. Rivers like this are home to many plants and animals. They also help carry water from higher places to lower places. This water eventually makes its way to larger rivers and even the ocean.
Where Does the Cranberry River Start?
The Cranberry River begins at Cranberry Meadow Pond. This pond is in the town of Spencer, Massachusetts. The pond is like the river's birthplace. It's where the river gets its first drops of water.
How High is the Source of the River?
The Cranberry River starts at an elevation of about 755 feet (230 m) above sea level. This means it's quite a bit higher than the ocean. This height difference helps the water flow downhill.
Where Does the Cranberry River End?
The Cranberry River doesn't flow all the way to the ocean by itself. Instead, it flows into another river. This meeting point is called a confluence. The Cranberry River's journey ends when it meets the Sevenmile River. This happens southwest of Spencer.
How Low is the Mouth of the River?
When the Cranberry River joins the Sevenmile River, it's at a lower elevation. This point is about 630 feet (190 m) above sea level. The drop in elevation from source to mouth helps the river flow.
How Long is the Cranberry River?
The Cranberry River is not a very long river. It stretches for about 3.7 miles (6.0 km). This makes it a smaller river compared to some of the world's giants. But even small rivers are important for their local areas.
What is a River Basin?
Every river has a basin, also called a watershed. This is the area of land where all the rain and snowmelt drain into that river. For the Cranberry River, its basin covers about 12 square miles (31 km2). This means all the water that falls on this 12-square-mile area will eventually flow into the Cranberry River.
Why are River Basins Important?
River basins are super important for the environment. They show us how water connects different parts of the land. What happens on the land in a basin can affect the river's health. For example, if there's pollution in the basin, it can wash into the river.
The Cranberry River and the Chicopee River Watershed
The Cranberry River is a small piece of a much larger puzzle. It's part of the Chicopee River Watershed. This big watershed covers a large area of central Massachusetts. Many smaller rivers and streams, like the Cranberry River, feed into the Chicopee River. The Chicopee River then flows into the Connecticut River, which eventually reaches the Atlantic Ocean.
Why are Watersheds Important for Us?
Watersheds are vital for people too! They provide us with drinking water. They also support wildlife and offer places for recreation like fishing or boating. Understanding watersheds helps us protect our water resources.
