Meredith Creek facts for kids

Meredith Creek is a small stream in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. It is also known as Brookside Run. This creek flows into the Lackawanna River.

Meredith Creek is about 0.4 miles (0.64 km) long. It runs through Carbondale Township and the city of Carbondale. The creek is affected by past mining activities. It is a very small stream, called a "first-order" stream.

Where Does Meredith Creek Flow?

Meredith Creek starts in Carbondale Township. It flows east for a short distance. Soon after, it enters Carbondale city limits. It then flows along the border between Carbondale and Carbondale Township.

The creek turns southeast for a short time. It crosses a highway and goes back into Carbondale Township. Finally, Meredith Creek joins the Lackawanna River. This meeting point is about 27.0 miles (43.5 km) upstream from where the Lackawanna River ends.

Creek's Water and Land Features

The land around Meredith Creek's mouth is about 1,001 feet (305 m) above sea level. The creek's starting point is higher up. It is between 1,100 and 1,120 feet (340 and 340 m) above sea level.

Meredith Creek is greatly affected by strip mining. This type of mining removes layers of soil and rock. Because of this, the creek sometimes loses some of its water flow. However, its main channel (the path it flows in) is still there.

Experts believe the creek could flow all year round. This is called perennial flow. It could happen if the creek's bed was lined. Also, old strip mine pits along the creek would need to be reshaped. A part of West Mountain is also located in the area that drains into Meredith Creek.

Meredith Creek's Watershed

The entire area that drains into Meredith Creek is within the United States Geological Survey's Carbondale map area. This area is called a quadrangle.

Meredith Creek is a small first-order stream. This means it's one of the smallest types of streams. In the early 2000s, there were plans to help the creek. The Lackawanna River Watershed Conservation Plan mentioned this. The Lackawanna Valley Conservancy offered to help manage a "greenway project" for the creek. A greenway is a natural area kept for recreation and wildlife.

History of Meredith Creek

Meredith Creek was officially added to the Geographic Names Information System on May 4, 1998. It is also known by its other name, Brookside Run.

An old train yard, the New York, Ontario and Western Rail Yard, is located where Meredith Creek meets the Lackawanna River. There is also a historic burial ground nearby. This cemetery is called the Brookside Cemetery. It is located in the area that drains into the creek.

Around the early 2000s, some improvements were made to the cemetery. The Lackawanna River Watershed Conservation Plan called this cemetery a "significant cultural resource." This means it is an important historical site. The plan also suggested that local towns should protect Meredith Creek. They were asked to include this protection in their future plans for land use.