Smoke Creek (New York) facts for kids

Smoke Creek is a small stream located in Erie County, New York. It's also known by other names like Da-deo-da-na-suk-to, which means "bend in the shore." The creek starts southwest of East Aurora and flows into Lake Erie near Lackawanna. It is about 174 meters (571 feet) above sea level. A smaller stream called the South Branch Smoke Creek flows into it. The total area that drains into Smoke Creek is about 85 square kilometers (33 square miles).

Why is it Called Smoke Creek?

The creek gets its name from a famous Seneca chief. His English name was "Old Smoke." His real name was Sayenqueraghta. He was a very important leader for the Seneca people.

How Clean is the Water?

Experts check the water in Smoke Creek to make sure it's healthy. In 2010, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) looked at the creek's water. They found that the water quality was only a little bit affected. This was mainly because of old factories and waste that had been in the creek in the past.

However, the good news is that the creek is still a great place for plants and animals that live in water. People can also enjoy activities like fishing or boating there. This means the creek is healthy enough to support both nature and fun activities.