Plumb Brook facts for kids

Plumb Brook is a small but important waterway located in the beautiful state of New York. It flows through the landscape, playing a part in the local environment. This brook eventually joins a larger river, contributing its waters to a wider system.

Plumb Brook: A New York Waterway

Plumb Brook is a natural stream that winds its way through St. Lawrence County, New York. It is a type of small river, often called a brook or a creek. These smaller waterways are vital parts of the larger river networks.

Where is Plumb Brook?

This brook is found in the northern part of New York State. Specifically, it flows into the Grass River near the town of Russell, New York. Russell is a small community known for its natural surroundings.

The place where Plumb Brook meets the Grass River is about 571 feet (or 174 meters) above sea level. You can find this spot using its geographic coordinates: 44 degrees, 25 minutes, 30 seconds North, and 75 degrees, 8 minutes, 2 seconds West.

The Journey of the Brook

Plumb Brook starts its journey somewhere upstream and flows downhill. It collects water from rain and melting snow along its path. As it travels, it helps to carry water and nutrients through the landscape.

Eventually, all the water from Plumb Brook flows into the Grass River. The Grass River is a much larger river that continues its journey north. It eventually empties into the St. Lawrence River, which is a huge river connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. So, Plumb Brook is a tiny piece of a very big water system!

What is a River Basin?

Every river, including small ones like Plumb Brook, has something called a river basin or drainage basin. This is the entire area of land where all the rain and snowmelt eventually drain into that river or its tributaries.

Plumb Brook has a basin size of about 35.3 square miles. Imagine a big bowl where all the water that falls inside it flows towards Plumb Brook. That's its basin! This area includes all the smaller streams and land that feed water into the brook.

Why are Small Rivers Important?

Even though Plumb Brook is not a huge river, it is very important. Small rivers and brooks play many roles in nature:

• Habitat: They provide homes for fish, insects, and other small animals.
• Water Source: They are a source of fresh water for plants and animals.
• Connecting Waterways: They connect different parts of the landscape, allowing water to flow from higher ground to larger rivers and eventually to the ocean.
• Ecosystem Health: They help keep the overall ecosystem healthy by moving water and nutrients.

So, next time you see a small brook, remember that it's doing a big job for the environment!