Mill Branch (Patuxent River tributary) facts for kids
Mill Branch is a small stream that flows into the Patuxent River in Prince George's County, Maryland. It's an important part of the larger Patuxent River system, specifically the Upper Patuxent Watershed. Think of a watershed as all the land area where water drains into a particular river or stream.
History of Mill Branch: An Old Mill
Long ago, in the early 1700s, there was a water mill on the Patuxent River, possibly very close to Mill Branch. A man named Reuben Ross owned this mill. He was a carpenter who lived in Prince George's County.
When Reuben Ross passed away in 1722, he left the water mill to his family. His will, a legal document, said that his wife, Elizabeth, could use the mill first. After her, his sons Reuben, John, and Thomas would inherit it. This shows how important water mills were for daily life back then, helping to grind grain into flour.
Where Mill Branch Flows: Its Drainage Area
Mill Branch collects water from a large area, about 2,270 acres! This area includes several communities within Bowie, Maryland.
Some of the neighborhoods and places that are part of the Mill Branch drainage area are:
- Evergreen
- The Willows
- Evergreen Estates
- St. James Place
- Enfield Chase
- Covington
- Archstone at Bowie Town Center
- Glen Allen
- Oaktree
- Lake Village Manor
- Amber Meadows
- Pointer Ridge
All the rain and runoff from these areas eventually flows into Mill Branch.
Keeping Mill Branch Healthy: Environmental Concerns
Like many streams near towns, Mill Branch faces some environmental challenges. The main issues are:
- Sediment: This is dirt, sand, and tiny bits of rock that wash into the stream. Too much sediment can make the water cloudy, harm fish habitats, and fill up the streambed.
- Excess Nutrients: These are things like fertilizers from lawns and gardens, or even pet waste. When too much of these nutrients get into the water, they can cause too many algae to grow. This can use up the oxygen in the water, making it hard for fish and other aquatic life to survive.
Efforts are made to keep Mill Branch clean and healthy for everyone, including the plants and animals that call it home.
