Little Beaver Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little Beaver Creek |
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Little Beaver Creek as it passes through Fredericktown, Ohio
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of Middle and West Forks at Williamsport, Ohio 840 ft (260 m) |
| River mouth | Ohio River at Glasgow, Pennsylvania 665 ft (203 m) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 605 sq mi (1,570 km2) |
| Type: | Scenic |
| Designated: | October 23, 1975 |
Little Beaver Creek is a special place in Ohio known for its beautiful nature. It's called a "wild and scenic area" because it's kept very natural and protected. Most of this creek's watershed (the land area that drains into the creek) is in Columbiana County in eastern Ohio.
The watershed covers about 605 square miles (1,567 square kilometers). About 80% of this area is in Ohio. Most of the land around the creek is privately owned. There are about 808 miles of streams flowing within this watershed. The creek flows into the Ohio River near East Liverpool, Ohio.
A Protected Natural Place
Little Beaver Creek is very important, so it has many protections. It is an Ohio Wild and Scenic River and a National Scenic River. This means it's recognized and protected by both the state and national governments.
It's the only major river in Ohio to have both of these special titles. In fact, it was the first river in the entire country to get both distinctions! These protections help keep the creek clean and healthy for all the plants and animals that live there.
Amazing Animals and Nature
A study in 2004 found that Little Beaver Creek is an incredibly clean waterway. It has a very diverse ecosystem, which means many different kinds of living things thrive there.
- It's home to 63 types of fish.
- You can find 49 different mammal species.
- There are 270 kinds of birds, including those that migrate and those that live there all the time.
- It also has 46 species of reptiles and amphibians.
One special animal found here is the rare and protected salamander called the hellbender. This large salamander needs very clean water to survive. Scientists believe this area is the only place in the United States that shows signs of all five ice ages in its rocks and land.
Where the Creek Flows
Little Beaver Creek has several smaller streams, called forks, that join together. The North Fork and Middle Forks of the creek meet at a place called Laurel Point in Fredericktown, Ohio. From there, the main creek flows all the way down to the Ohio River.
This beautiful watershed is also home to several parks and preserves. These include Beaver Creek State Forest, Beaver Creek State Park, and Sheepskin Hollow State Nature Preserve. These places offer great opportunities to explore nature and see the creek up close.
Images for kids
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Little Beaver Creek is a beautiful place to explore.
