Ohisa Creek facts for kids

Ohisa Creek is a small stream located in the state of New York in the United States. It is an important part of the local water system, even though it is not a very large river. This creek eventually flows into the Nowadaga Creek near the village of Newville, New York.

Ohisa Creek: A Small Stream in New York

Ohisa Creek is a natural waterway that helps carry water across the land. It is one of many small creeks and streams that make up larger river systems. These smaller streams are often called tributaries because they contribute their water to bigger rivers.

Where is Ohisa Creek Located?

Ohisa Creek is found in Herkimer County, New York. This area is part of the wider Central New York Region. The creek starts in one spot and flows until it joins a larger body of water. Its journey takes it through natural landscapes before it reaches Nowadaga Creek.

The source, or beginning, of Ohisa Creek is located at coordinates 42°56′03″N 74°53′18″W. This is where the creek's journey officially begins.

The Journey of Ohisa Creek

From its source, Ohisa Creek flows for a short distance. It winds its way through the land, collecting water from rainfall and smaller springs. The creek's path ends when it meets the Nowadaga Creek. This meeting point is called the mouth of the creek.

The mouth of Ohisa Creek is near Newville, New York. At this point, the water from Ohisa Creek joins the flow of Nowadaga Creek. The elevation at the mouth is about 558 feet (170 meters) above sea level. This shows how much the water has dropped from its source to where it joins the larger creek.

What is a Watershed?

Every creek and river is part of something called a watershed, also known as a drainage basin. A watershed is an area of land where all the water that falls on it drains into a specific river, lake, or ocean. For Ohisa Creek, its watershed covers an area of about 18.6 square miles (48.2 square kilometers).

This means that all the rain and snowmelt that falls within this 18.6 square mile area will eventually flow into Ohisa Creek. Understanding watersheds is important because what happens on the land affects the water quality in the creek.

Why Are Creeks Important?

Even small creeks like Ohisa Creek play a big role in our environment. They are vital parts of the local ecosystem. Creeks provide homes for many plants and animals, including fish, insects, and birds. They also help to keep the land healthy.

Creeks help to move water from higher elevations to lower ones. This process helps to prevent flooding and keeps the soil moist. They also help to filter water naturally as it flows over rocks and through plants. This makes the water cleaner for both wildlife and people. Protecting small creeks helps to keep our larger rivers and lakes healthy too.