Owasco Inlet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Owasco Inlet |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Unnamed Marsh north of Freeville, New York |
| River mouth | Owasco Lake Cascade, New York, United States 42°45′19″N 76°27′49″W / 42.75528°N 76.46361°W |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 117 sq mi (300 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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The Owasco Inlet is a river located in Cayuga County, New York. It is an important waterway that feeds into Owasco Lake, one of New York's famous Finger Lakes. This river helps keep the lake healthy and provides homes for many plants and animals.
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About the Owasco Inlet
The Owasco Inlet is a natural river that flows through parts of New York State. It is known for its role in the local environment. The river's journey starts in one county and ends in another. It is a key part of the water system in this region.
Where the River Begins
The Owasco Inlet starts in a marshy area. This marsh is found north of a small town called Freeville, New York. Marshes are wetlands where the ground is often wet. They are important places for water to collect and for many types of wildlife to live.
The River's Journey North
From its starting point, the Owasco Inlet flows mainly towards the north. As it travels, it passes through different landscapes. The river collects water from smaller streams along its path. These smaller streams are called tributaries.
- One tributary joining the Owasco Inlet from the left is Hemlock Creek.
- Another tributary, Mill Creek, joins the river from the right.
These creeks add more water to the Owasco Inlet. They also bring nutrients and sometimes sediment into the main river.
Reaching Owasco Lake
The journey of the Owasco Inlet ends when it flows into Owasco Lake. This happens near a place called Cascade, New York. Owasco Lake is one of the smaller Finger Lakes. The water from the inlet is very important for the lake.
Why the Inlet is Important
The Owasco Inlet brings fresh water into Owasco Lake. This helps to keep the lake's water levels stable. It also carries nutrients that support the lake's ecosystem. The river's basin, which is the area of land that drains into it, covers about 117 square miles. This large area means a lot of water flows into the inlet and then into the lake.
The river and the lake are home to various fish species. They also support many birds and other animals. Protecting the Owasco Inlet helps to protect the health of Owasco Lake. It also helps the wildlife that depends on this water system.
