Little Wekiva River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little Wekiva River |
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Location of the mouth in Florida
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| Country | United States |
| State | Florida |
| Counties | Orange and Seminole |
| Cities | Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Florida |
| City | Longwood, Florida |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Lake Lawne Orlando, Florida 28°34′2″N 81°26′19″W / 28.56722°N 81.43861°W |
| 2nd source | Spring Lake Altamonte Springs, Florida 28°39′7″N 81°23′53″W / 28.65194°N 81.39806°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with Wekiva River Longwood, Florida 28°45′20.5″N 81°24′58.2″W / 28.755694°N 81.416167°W |
| Length | 15 mi (24 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 42 sq mi (110 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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| Progression : Little Wekiva River-Wekiva River- St. Johns River-Atlantic Ocean |
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The Little Wekiva River is a stream located in the Greater Orlando area of Florida, United States. This river flows north for about 15 miles (24 km). It is a smaller branch, called a tributary, of the Wekiva River. The Wekiva River then joins the St. Johns River, which is the longest river in Florida.
The Little Wekiva River's drainage basin covers about 42 square miles (109 sq km). This area is mostly in the busy, developed parts north and west of Downtown Orlando.
Contents
Where the River Starts
The Little Wekiva River gets its water from a few places. One main source is Lake Lawne in Orlando, Florida. Another important starting point is Spring Lake in Altamonte Springs, Florida.
How Water Flows
Water from these lakes and other smaller streams flows into the Little Wekiva River. This journey helps create the river's path.
The River's Journey
The Little Wekiva River flows northward through Orange and Seminole counties. It passes through cities like Orlando, Altamonte Springs, and Longwood, Florida.
Where the River Ends
The Little Wekiva River eventually meets the Wekiva River. This meeting point is in Longwood, Florida. After joining the Wekiva River, the water continues its journey. It flows into the St. Johns River and finally reaches the Atlantic Ocean.
What is a Drainage Basin?
A drainage basin is like a giant funnel for water. It's an area of land where all the rain and water eventually flows into a specific river, lake, or ocean. The Little Wekiva River's drainage basin collects water from its surrounding urban areas.
Tributaries of the River
The Little Wekiva River has several smaller streams that flow into it. These are also called tributaries.
- On the left side, it gets water from Starbuck Spring Run.
- On the right side, it receives water from:
- Spring Lake Run
- Sanlando Springs Run
- Palm Springs Run
- Ginger Ale Springs Run
- Pegasus Springs Run
Why the Little Wekiva River is Important
Rivers like the Little Wekiva are very important for the environment. They provide homes for many plants and animals. They also help manage rainwater and keep the local ecosystem healthy.
