Sydenham River (Lake Saint Clair) facts for kids

The Sydenham River is a river in southwestern Ontario, Canada. It starts west of London and flows southwest. The river then empties into Lake Saint Clair. It is about 165 kilometers (103 miles) long. The river's watershed (the area of land that drains into it) is about 2,700 square kilometers (1,042 square miles). The Sydenham River flows through towns like Strathroy and Wallaceburg. It was named after Lord Sydenham. He was the governor of Canada from 1839 to 1841.

River Rocks: "Kettles"

Near the Sydenham River, you can find unusual rocks. These rocks are called concretions. They are made of a mineral called calcite. People call them "kettles" because they look like the bottom of a large cooking pot.

A Special Place for Nature

The Sydenham River is very important for nature. It has been named a key area for biodiversity. This means it is home to many different kinds of plants and animals.

Amazing River Life

The Sydenham River flows through a large farming area. Because of this, its waters can pick up silt (fine dirt) and extra fertilizer. Even with these challenges, the river is a home for many creatures.

It provides a habitat for 80 different kinds of fish. It also supports 34 types of freshwater mussels.

Endangered Mussels

Nine mussel species in the Sydenham River are considered "endangered" in Canada. This means they are at high risk of disappearing forever. These special mussels include:

• Mudpuppy mussel (Simpsonaias ambigua)
• Northern riffleshell (Epioblasma torulosa rangiana)
• Rayed bean (Villosa fabalis)
• Wavy-rayed lampmussel (Lampsilis fasciola)
• Snuffbox (Epioblasma triquetra)
• Round pigtoe (Pleurobema sintoxia)
• Kidneyshell (Ptychobranchus fasciolaris)
• Round hickorynut (Obovaria subrotunda)
• Rainbow mussel (Villosa iris)

Threatened Fish and Turtles

Two fish species and one type of turtle are "threatened" in the river. This means they are likely to become endangered if their situation does not improve. They are:

• Spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus)
• Eastern sand darter (Ammocrypta pellucida)
• Eastern spiny softshell turtle (Trionyx spiniferus spiniferus)

Missing Species

The Northern madtom (Noturus stigmosus) is a type of fish. It used to live in the Sydenham River. Now, it is thought to be "likely extirpated." This means it probably no longer lives in the river, even though it might still exist elsewhere.