East Branch Martins Creek facts for kids
East Branch Martins Creek is a small river, also called a tributary, located in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. It flows into another creek called Martins Creek. This creek is about 5.1 miles (8.2 kilometers) long. It flows through two areas: New Milford Township and Harford Township. The land area that drains into this creek, called its watershed, covers about 7.36 square miles (19.1 square kilometers). Good news! This creek is considered a clean and healthy waterway.
Quick facts for kids East Branch Martins Creek |
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | small unnamed pond in New Milford Township, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania between 1,580 and 1,600 feet (482 and 488 m) |
| River mouth | Martins Creek in Harford Township, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania 945 ft (288 m) 41°45′44″N 75°45′20″W / 41.76215°N 75.75560°W |
| Length | 5.1 mi (8.2 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Martins Creek → Tunkhannock Creek → Susquehanna River → Chesapeake Bay |
| Basin size | 7.36 sq mi (19.1 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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Contents
Where the Creek Flows
East Branch Martins Creek starts in a small, unnamed pond in New Milford Township. It flows generally southwest for a short distance. Along its path, it picks up water from smaller streams that join it from the right side. Then, the creek enters Harford Township.
As it continues, the creek flows south and passes through a wetland area and a place called Beaver Meadow Pond. It then turns southeast and receives water from three more small streams joining it from the left side. After flowing a bit further, it crosses a main road, US Route 11. Soon after, it meets and joins Martins Creek. This meeting point is called its confluence.
Water Quality
East Branch Martins Creek is known for its good water quality. It has not been listed as an "impaired waterbody," which means its water is clean and healthy.
Land and Rocks Around the Creek
The land around the mouth (where it ends) of East Branch Martins Creek is about 945 feet (288 meters) above sea level. Where the creek begins, its source, the land is much higher, between 1,580 and 1,600 feet (482 and 488 meters) above sea level.
The ground and rocks near the creek's mouth are mostly made of alluvium (silt, sand, and gravel left by flowing water) and a type of soil left by glaciers called till (specifically, Wisconsinan Till). There are also areas where alluvial fans are found, which are fan-shaped deposits of sediment. As you go further upstream, you'll find similar types of ground. There's also something called Wisconsinan Ice-Contact Stratified Drift, which is material left by melting glaciers. The solid rock underneath, called bedrock, in the creek's valley is made of sandstone and shale.
Creek's Surroundings and Wildlife
The entire area that drains into East Branch Martins Creek, its watershed, covers about 7.36 square miles (19.1 square kilometers). The end of the creek is located near the town of Kingsley.
History of the Creek
East Branch Martins Creek was officially added to the Geographic Names Information System on August 2, 1979. This system keeps track of names and locations of places in the United States.
In 2014, some permits were given for a quarry (a place where stone is dug out of the ground) near the creek. These permits allowed the quarry to operate and manage its stormwater (rainwater runoff) that flowed into East Branch Martins Creek.
Animals and Plants
East Branch Martins Creek is important for aquatic life, meaning it's a home for animals and plants that live in water. The creek is classified as a Coldwater Fishery, which means its water is cold enough for certain types of fish. It's also a Migratory Fishery, meaning fish travel through it. As of 2012, the creek is stocked with trout, which means young trout are regularly released into the creek to help the fish population.
