Green River (Deerfield River tributary) facts for kids
The Green River is a cool river that flows through parts of Vermont and Massachusetts in the United States. It's like a smaller stream that joins a bigger one, called a tributary. The Green River flows into the Deerfield River.
This river was very important for the towns that grew up along its banks. For example, the town of Greenfield, Massachusetts got its name from the Green River! Many people in Greenfield get their drinking water from this river.
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Where the Green River Flows
The Green River starts its journey in Marlboro, Vermont. From there, it flows east through Halifax and then Guilford. In Guilford, it turns south and crosses into Massachusetts.
Once in Massachusetts, the river continues south. It forms the border between the towns of Colrain and Leyden. The Green River is about 31.5 miles (50.7 km) long in total. About 14.8 miles of it are in Vermont, and 16.7 miles are in Massachusetts.
The Green River eventually joins the Deerfield River. The Deerfield River then flows a short distance into the much larger Connecticut River.
Land Around the River
Most of the land around the Green River in Massachusetts is covered by forests (65%). There are also farms (13%) and homes (11%). Most of the homes are in the town of Greenfield. The entire area that drains water into the Green River is about 89.8 square miles. Only one major highway, Interstate 91, crosses over the river.
The Green River is part of a bigger system. It's in the Deerfield River watershed, which is then part of the even larger Connecticut River watershed. A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into a single river or lake.
Streams Joining the Green River
Many smaller streams, called tributaries, flow into the Green River. These streams add water to the river as it flows along.
In Massachusetts
- Greenfield: Wheeler Brook, Cherry Rum Brook, Arms Brook, Mill Brook, Allen Brook, Punch Brook, Hinsdale Brook, Glen Brook
- Colrain: Workman Brook, Johnson Brook, Stafford Brook, Borden Brook
- Leyden: Katley Brook, Hibbard Brook, Harris Brook, Thorne Brook
In Vermont
- Guilford: Roaring Brook, Hinesburg
- Halifax: Pond Brook, Harrisville Brook
River Life: Fish and More
The Green River is known for being a very clean water source. It's also a great place for coldwater fish to live.
Fish Species in the Green River
Many different kinds of fish live in the Green River. Some of these fish are native, meaning they have always lived there. Others were introduced by people.
- Sea Lamprey (Native)
- American Eel (Native)
- Common Carp (Introduced)
- Golden Shiner (Native)
- Bridle Shiner (Native)
- Common Shiner (Native)
- Spottail Shiner (Native)
- Northern Redbelly Dace (Native)
- Blacknose Dace (Native)
- Longnose Dace (Native)
- Creekchub (Native)
- Fall Fish (Native)
- White Sucker (Native)
- Brown Bullhead (Native)
- Chain Pickerel (Native)
- Brown Trout (Introduced)
- Brook Trout (Native)
- Rainbow Trout (Introduced)
- Slimy Sculpin (Native)
- Bluegill (Introduced)
- Pumpkinseed (Native)
- Smallmouth Bass (Introduced)
- Tessellated Darter (Native)
- Yellow Perch (Native)
The Northern Redbelly Dace is a special fish found in the Green River. It was first discovered here in 1940. This is the only place in Massachusetts where this type of fish is known to live! Sometimes, Atlantic Salmon and American Eels are also found in the river when they come to lay their eggs.
Keeping the River Clean
Like many rivers, the Green River faces some challenges to stay clean. Most of the pollution happens in the last 3.7 miles of the river, especially in Greenfield, Massachusetts.
One problem is from bacteria, which can come from farms or from leaky sewage pipes in town. Another issue is the lack of riparian zones. These are natural areas of plants and trees along the riverbanks. They help filter pollution and keep the soil from washing into the river. There is also one dam that needs repairs.
People are working to fix these problems and keep the Green River healthy for everyone.
Fun at the River
The most popular spot for fun on the Green River is the Green River Swimming & Recreation Area. This park is a great place to cool off in the summer.
The recreation area is 22 acres big. It was given to the town of Greenfield in two parts, in 1929 and 1933. You can find it on Nash's Mill Road in Greenfield, west of the downtown area. There's a special dam in this part of the river that can be raised during the day. This turns a section of the river into a temporary swimming pool for everyone to enjoy!
