Rush Creek (Kishwaukee River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rush Creek |
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | McHenry County southeast of Harvard, Illinois 1,015 ft (309 m) 42°23′18″N 88°34′07″W / 42.3883333°N 88.5686111°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with the Kishwaukee east of Belvidere, Illinois 774 ft (236 m) 42°15′23″N 88°42′10″W / 42.2563889°N 88.7027778°W |
| Length | 15 mi (24 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Rush Creek → Kishwaukee → Rock → Mississippi → Gulf of Mexico |
| GNIS ID | 417053 |
Rush Creek is a small river, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) long, in northern Illinois. It flows into the Kishwaukee River. There is another Rush Creek in Illinois, but this article is about the one that joins the Kishwaukee River.
Where Does Rush Creek Flow?
Rush Creek starts in a wet, marshy area (called wetlands) near Harvard, Illinois. It begins about two miles southeast of Harvard. From there, the creek flows toward the southwest. It eventually joins the main part of the Kishwaukee River. This meeting point is about one mile east of Garden Prairie.
How Has Rush Creek Changed?
A large part of Rush Creek, about 65%, has been changed by people. This means it was "channelized," or made straighter and deeper like a ditch. This was often done to help with farming.
However, half of these changed areas are now starting to go back to their natural state. Even with these changes, you can still see natural parts of the stream. These include "riffles," which are shallow, rocky areas where the water flows quickly.
Animals Living in Rush Creek
Scientists have found 29 different kinds of fish in Rush Creek and its smaller streams. Sadly, two of these fish, the northern pike and the largescale stoneroller, have not been seen there since 1965.
Some animals in Rush Creek are on special lists because they are rare or in danger. These include the North American river otter. There are also two types of mussels that are rare: the Spike mussel (Elliptio dilatata) and the Slippershell mussel (Alasmidonta viridis). These lists help protect animals that need our help to survive.
