Felts Mills Creek facts for kids

Felts Mills Creek is a small waterway located in New York State, United States. It flows into the larger Black River near the village of Felts Mills, New York. Creeks like Felts Mills Creek are important parts of the natural world, providing homes for plants and animals.

What is Felts Mills Creek?

Felts Mills Creek is a natural stream of fresh water. It is smaller than a river, but it plays a big role in the local environment. The creek's water eventually joins the Black River, which then flows into Lake Ontario. This connection means the health of the creek affects the larger water systems around it.

The area that drains water into Felts Mills Creek is called its basin. This basin covers about 21.6 square miles (56 square kilometers). All the rain and snow that falls in this area eventually makes its way into the creek.

Where is Felts Mills Creek Located?

Felts Mills Creek is found in Jefferson County, New York. This county is in the northern part of New York State. The creek gets its name from the village of Felts Mills, which is where it meets the Black River. The mouth of the creek, where it flows into the Black River, is about 572 feet (174 meters) above sea level.

The creek flows through a mix of natural areas and some developed land. Its path helps shape the landscape of the region.

Exploring the Creek: Fun and Nature

Even though Felts Mills Creek is small, it offers opportunities for people to connect with nature. In September 2008, a special parking area and access trail were opened. This project was part of an effort to help people enjoy the creek and its surroundings.

Visitors can use this trail to explore the area around the creek. It's a great spot for activities like:

• Nature walks
• Bird watching
• Observing local wildlife

These activities help people appreciate the beauty and importance of natural waterways.

Protecting Our Waterways

The access trail and parking area were created as part of a conservation fund project. This project was managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The DEC is a government agency that works to protect New York's natural resources.

Their work includes:

• Keeping water clean
• Protecting wildlife
• Managing state parks and lands

By creating access points and trails, the DEC helps people enjoy nature responsibly. This also encourages everyone to help protect places like Felts Mills Creek for the future. Protecting small creeks is vital because they are the starting point for larger river systems.