Opossum Brook facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Opossum Brook |
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|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | unnamed pond in Ross Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania 2,136 feet (651 m) |
| River mouth | Mehoopany Creek in Forkston Township, Wyoming County, Pennsylvania near Bellasylva 1,555 feet (474 m) ACoordinates: Unknown argument format |
| Length | 4.0 miles (6.4 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | South Brook → Mehoopany Creek → Susquehanna River → Chesapeake Bay |
| Basin size | 5.13 square miles (13.3 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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Opossum Brook is a small stream, also called a tributary, that flows into South Brook in Luzerne County and Wyoming County, Pennsylvania. It is about 4.0 miles (6.4 km) long. The brook flows through Ross Township and Forkston Township. The area of land that drains into Opossum Brook, called its watershed, covers about 5.13 square miles (13.3 km2). This stream is known for its very clean, cold water, which is perfect for wild trout. It also has many wetlands, making it a great spot for birdwatching.
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Where Opossum Brook Flows
Opossum Brook starts in a small, unnamed pond in Ross Township, Luzerne County. It flows north for a short distance. Then, it turns northwest and enters Forkston Township in Wyoming County. Along its path, it goes through another unnamed pond and a large wetland area.
In the wetland, the brook gets water from two smaller streams, called tributaries, one from the left and one from the right. It then leaves the wetland and flows north into a valley. After flowing for more than a mile, it turns northeast. Finally, Opossum Brook meets and joins South Brook. This meeting point is very close to where South Brook itself ends.
Water and Land Features
The land around Opossum Brook changes in height. Near where the brook joins South Brook, the elevation is about 1,555 feet (474 m) above sea level. Upstream, near where the brook begins, the elevation is higher, around 2,136 feet (651 m) above sea level. The brook generally flows towards the north.
The water in Opossum Brook is very clean and healthy. It is not considered a polluted stream. You might notice that the water has a slightly dark color. This is because of natural substances called tannins. These tannins come from plants in the wetlands that surround the brook.
Wildlife and Natural Areas
The entire area that collects water for Opossum Brook, its watershed, is about 5.13 square miles (13.3 km2). The brook joins South Brook near a place called Bellasylva. Opossum Brook is important for supporting aquatic life, meaning all the plants and animals that live in or near the water.
There are many wetlands in the Opossum Brook watershed. These wetlands are important habitats for many different creatures.
Opossum Brook is a special place for fish. It's classified as a High-Quality Coldwater Fishery. This means its cold, clean water is perfect for fish like trout. Wild trout naturally live and reproduce in Opossum Brook, from its very beginning all the way to its end. The area where Opossum Brook Road crosses the stream is a popular spot for birdwatching. Birdwatchers have even seen the blackpoll warbler, a bird that is rare in Pennsylvania, in the wetlands of Opossum Brook.
History and Fun Activities
Opossum Brook was officially named and added to the Geographic Names Information System on August 2, 1979.
Long ago, a railroad track ran along Opossum Brook. This railroad helped companies like T & T and the Central Pennsylvania Lumber Company transport wood. They used it to move logs that were cut down in the nearby Mehoopany Creek area. In 1929, someone named Ralph Davis found signs of beavers living along the stream. This led to people harvesting beavers in the area, a practice that continued for many years.
Today, an unpaved road called Opossum Brook Road crosses the stream. This road is mentioned in a hiking guide as a good path to reach Sprankles Pond.
