Stewart Run (Octoraro Creek tributary) facts for kids

Stewart Run is a small tributary (a smaller stream that flows into a larger one) located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It flows into the West Branch Octoraro Creek. This stream is about 4.9 miles (7.9 km) long and winds its way through Colerain Township and East Drumore Township.

Where Does Stewart Run Flow?

Stewart Run begins its journey in a small valley and first flows towards the west. It goes under US Route 222 near Solanco High School. After this, the stream turns southwest. As it continues, it picks up water from two smaller, unnamed streams joining it from the right side. Then, it turns south for a short distance. Another unnamed stream joins it from the left. Finally, it turns southwest again and receives one more tributary from the left before it meets the West Branch Octoraro Creek.

Stewart Run joins the West Branch Octoraro Creek about 6.15 miles (9.90 km) upstream from where the West Branch Octoraro Creek itself ends.

What's the Land Like Around Stewart Run?

The land around Stewart Run is part of the Piedmont region. This area is known for its gently rolling hills, which means it's not flat but has soft, wavy slopes.

Near where Stewart Run joins the West Branch Octoraro Creek (its mouth), the land is about 358 feet (109 meters) above sea level. Where the creek starts (its source), the elevation is higher, between 640 and 660 feet (195 to 201 meters) above sea level.

The lower 2 miles (3.2 km) of Stewart Run are special because they are called a "Scenic River." This means the area is protected for its natural beauty.

The Stewart Run Watershed: A Home for Nature

A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into a single stream, river, or lake. The watershed of Stewart Run covers an area of about 5.87 square miles (15.2 km2).

Most of the land in this watershed is used for farming. You can also find several beautiful waterfalls along the creek, which are fun to see!

The mouth of Stewart Run is located in the Kirkwood area, according to the United States Geological Survey maps. The source of the creek is in the Wakefield area.

Animals and Plants of Stewart Run

Stewart Run is a lively place, full of different kinds of flora (plants) and fauna (animals).

Plants You Might See

Along the creek, you can find many interesting plants, including:

• Trout lilies: These are pretty yellow flowers that bloom in spring.
• Violets: Small, colorful flowers, often purple or white.
• Mayapple: A plant with umbrella-like leaves and a small fruit.
• Club mosses: Ancient plants that look like miniature trees.
• Ground pine: Another type of club moss that grows low to the ground.
• Ferns: Plants with delicate, feathery leaves.
• Lichens: Organisms that are a mix of fungi and algae, often growing on rocks and trees.

Animals That Live Here

The watershed of Stewart Run is home to many animals, such as:

• Birds: Many different kinds of birds fly around and nest here.
• Deer: You might spot deer grazing near the water.
• Raccoons: Clever animals often seen near water, especially at night.
• Opossums: North America's only marsupial, known for "playing dead."
• Brown and brook trout: These fish live in the cool, clear waters of the creek.

Fun Things to Do at Stewart Run

The Theodore A. Parker III Natural Area is a large park, about 100 acres (40 hectares), right next to Stewart Run. This park is named after a famous bird expert.

In the park, you can find several hiking trails that follow the creek, offering great views of the water and surrounding nature. If you enjoy fishing, it's allowed in certain seasons, so you might be able to catch some trout!