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Quaker Run (West Branch Mahantango Creek tributary) facts for kids

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Quaker Run
Physical characteristics
Main source east of a road in Monroe Township, Juniata County, Pennsylvania
820 ft (250 m)
River mouth West Branch Mahantango Creek in Monroe Township, Juniata County, Pennsylvania near Richfield
522 ft (159 m)
40°39′48″N 77°02′01″W / 40.6634°N 77.0335°W / 40.6634; -77.0335
Length 4.9 mi (7.9 km)
Basin features
Progression West Branch Mahantango Creek → Mahantango CreekSusquehanna RiverChesapeake Bay
Basin size 4.57 sq mi (11.8 km2)
Tributaries
  • Left:
    four unnamed tributaries
  • Right:
    one unnamed tributary

Quaker Run is a small tributary (a smaller stream that flows into a larger one) located in Juniata County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It flows into West Branch Mahantango Creek.

This stream is about 4.9 miles (7.9 km) long. It runs through Monroe Township. The area of land that drains water into Quaker Run, called its watershed, covers about 4.57 square miles (11.8 km2).

Quaker Run does not have any named smaller streams flowing into it. However, it does receive water from several unnamed tributaries. The stream is mostly found between two ridges, Graders Ridge and Dresslers Ridge. The water in Quaker Run is special because its basin is known as a Coldwater Fishery and a Migratory Fishery. This means it's a good place for fish that like cold water, and it's important for fish that travel to different areas to lay their eggs.

Where Quaker Run Flows

Quaker Run starts its journey east of a road in Monroe Township. It flows towards the east-northeast through a valley. As it moves, it flows between Dresslers Ridge and Graders Ridge.

Along its path, Quaker Run receives water from smaller, unnamed streams. These streams join it from both its left and right sides. The stream starts to curve and bend, which is called meandering, but it generally keeps flowing east.

After flowing for a few miles, Quaker Run reaches the end of its valley. A short distance further downstream, it meets and joins West Branch Mahantango Creek. This meeting point is close to the border between Juniata County and Snyder County. Quaker Run joins West Branch Mahantango Creek about 6.82 miles (10.98 km) before the larger creek reaches its own mouth.

Land and Rocks Around the Stream

The land where Quaker Run flows into West Branch Mahantango Creek is about 522 feet (159 m) above sea level. Where Quaker Run begins, its source, the elevation is higher, around 820 feet (250 m).

Quaker Run is mainly located in eastern Monroe Township. It lies between Dresslers Ridge to the south and Graders Ridge to the north.

Along Quaker Run, you can find gray shale rocks. These rocks are tilted at an angle. You might also see gray and brown conglomerate boulders. These boulders are made of different rocks stuck together and can contain some iron and white quartz.

The Stream's Environment

The entire watershed of Quaker Run covers an area of 4.57 square miles (11.8 km2). The stream is completely within the Richfield area, as mapped by the United States Geological Survey. Its mouth is located near the town of Richfield.

Quaker Run is one of the main streams in Monroe Township. Other important streams there include Stony Run and West Branch Mahantango Creek.

As mentioned earlier, the area that drains into Quaker Run is special. It's known as a Coldwater Fishery and a Migratory Fishery. This means it's a vital habitat for fish that need cold water to survive. It also supports fish that migrate (travel) to different places to reproduce. Near the stream, on Graders Ridge, there is a large forest area. This forest covers between 250 to 1,000 acres (100 to 400 ha).

A Bit of History

Quaker Run was officially added to the Geographic Names Information System on August 2, 1979. This system keeps track of names and locations of places in the United States. Its special ID number in the system is 1184524.

A schoolhouse was built near Quaker Run way back in 1838.

A concrete culvert bridge was built over Quaker Run in 1990. This bridge carries State Route 2018. It is about 22.0 feet (6.7 m) long and is located about 3 miles (4.8 km) south of Richfield.

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