Nonesuch River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nonesuch River |
|
---|---|
Country | United States of America |
Physical characteristics | |
Main source | Saco, Maine |
River mouth | Scarborough River |
Length | 25 miles (40 km) |
Basin features | |
Basin size | 25 square miles (65 km2) |
The Nonesuch River is a river about 25 miles (40 kilometers) long in southern Maine, a state in the United States. It starts in the town of Saco. From there, it winds its way through the town of Scarborough. This river is super important because it provides most of the fresh water to the amazing Scarborough Marsh and the Scarborough River. Lots of smaller streams, called tributaries, flow into the Nonesuch River.
Contents
The River's Journey
The Nonesuch River begins its journey in Saco. It then flows generally northeast, then east, and finally southwest. This winding path takes it through the heart of Scarborough. Its waters are essential for the health of the local environment.
A Vital Water Source
The Nonesuch River is the main source of fresh water for the Scarborough Marsh. A marsh is a type of wetland, which is a very important habitat for many plants and animals. The river's fresh water mixes with the salty ocean water in the marsh, creating a unique ecosystem.
River Characteristics
The Nonesuch River is known for being small and curvy. Near its end, the ocean's tides affect it. This means the water level goes up and down with the tides. Because of this, big boats cannot easily travel on the river. It's more suited for smaller boats or canoes.
Building a Canal
Long ago, people tried to build a canal to follow the Nonesuch River's path. A canal is a waterway built by people to connect different places or help boats travel. This project was quite clever for its time.
How the Canal Was Built
Instead of digging the whole canal by hand, the builders used a smart trick. They dug a shallow ditch along the planned route. Then, they let the natural action of the tides do most of the work. As the tides went in and out, they carried away the loose soil from the ditch. This helped to deepen and widen the canal over time.
Nearby Attractions
The area around the Nonesuch River is also home to some fun places. One notable spot is the Nonesuch River Golf Course. It's a popular place for people to enjoy the sport of golf.