Decks Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Decks Creek |
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Country | United States |
State | New York |
Physical characteristics | |
River mouth | Mohawk River Whitesboro, New York 402 ft (123 m) 43°08′25″N 75°17′14″W / 43.14028°N 75.28722°W |
Basin features | |
Basin size | 2.87 sq mi (7.4 km2) |
Decks Creek is a small stream, also known as a "creek," located in New York. It flows into the larger Mohawk River near the town of Whitesboro, New York. Even though it's a smaller waterway, Decks Creek plays an important part in the local environment and the bigger river system it joins.
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Decks Creek: A Small Stream's Journey
Decks Creek is a natural waterway that helps carry water across the land. It is part of a larger network of rivers and streams that eventually lead to the ocean. Understanding small creeks like Decks Creek helps us learn about the health of our planet's water systems.
Where is Decks Creek?
Decks Creek is found in Oneida County, New York. Its journey ends when it flows into the Mohawk River in Whitesboro. The area of land that drains into Decks Creek is called its "basin." This basin covers about 2.87 sq mi (7.4 km2). This means all the rain and melting snow in that area will eventually flow into Decks Creek.
What is a Creek?
A creek is a natural stream of water, usually smaller than a river. Creeks often flow into larger rivers, lakes, or even directly into the ocean. They are sometimes called brooks or runs. Creeks are important because they are the starting points for many larger water systems. They collect water from rainfall and groundwater, moving it downstream.
Why Are Creeks Important?
Creeks like Decks Creek are vital for many reasons:
- Habitat for Wildlife: They provide homes for various plants and animals. Fish, insects, frogs, and birds often rely on creeks for food and shelter.
- Water Quality: Creeks help filter water as it moves through the landscape. Healthy creeks can improve the quality of water in larger rivers.
- Drainage: They help drain excess water from the land, which can prevent flooding in some areas.
- Connecting Ecosystems: Creeks link different parts of the environment. They connect forests, fields, and urban areas to larger rivers and lakes. This helps animals move between different habitats.
Protecting Our Waterways
Keeping creeks clean is very important for everyone. Pollution from litter, chemicals, or other waste can harm the plants and animals living in the creek. It can also affect the quality of water in the larger Mohawk River. By protecting small waterways like Decks Creek, we help keep our entire environment healthy. Simple actions like not littering and being careful with chemicals can make a big difference.