Spies Run facts for kids

Spies Run is a small stream, or tributary, located in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. It flows into a larger stream called Catawissa Creek. Spies Run is about 1 mile (1.6 km) long. It flows through a place called East Union Township.

The water in Spies Run is usually close to neutral, which means it's not too acidic or too basic. This stream is special because wild trout live and reproduce there naturally.

Where Does Spies Run Begin and End?

Spies Run starts on a mountain in East Union Township. This is very close to the border of another township called Kline Township.

The stream first flows northwest through a narrow valley. Then, it meets another small stream, which is called an unnamed tributary. After that, Spies Run turns north-northwest and enters a wider valley. It then turns northwest again and crosses a road. Finally, after a short distance, it joins Catawissa Creek.

What is the Water Quality Like?

Spies Run is known for having clean water. In fact, a report from 2013 called it a "clean stream."

Scientists have measured the water's pH level. The pH tells us how acidic or basic the water is. A neutral pH is around 7. While some early tests showed a very low pH, later laboratory tests proved the water's pH is actually quite close to neutral. This means the water is healthy for the plants and animals living there.

Where is Spies Run Located?

The lowest part of Spies Run, where it meets Catawissa Creek, is about 1,184 feet (361 m) above sea level. The highest part, where the stream begins, is even higher, between 1,660 feet (506 m) and 1,680 feet (512 m) above sea level.

Spies Run is found on maps made by the United States Geological Survey for an area called Conyngham. A town called McAdoo is also located near the stream.

There is a mountain in the area where Spies Run flows.

A Brief History of Spies Run

Spies Run was officially added to the Geographic Names Information System on January 1, 1990. This system helps keep track of names and locations of places in the United States.

The stream is also mentioned in an old book called the Atlas of the Anthracite Coalfields of Pennsylvania. In 2009, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission thought about adding Spies Run to their list of special streams where wild trout live.

Biology: Trout in Spies Run

Spies Run is a very important place for wild trout. These fish naturally reproduce in the stream, from where it starts all the way to where it ends. This has been happening since at least 2009, showing that Spies Run is a healthy home for these fish.