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Tarbutton Creek facts for kids

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Tarbutton Creek
Tarbutton Creek is located in Missouri
Tarbutton Creek
Location of the mouth within Missouri
Country United States
State Missouri
Region Douglas County
Physical characteristics
Main source 37°00′19″N 92°27′49″W / 37.00528°N 92.46361°W / 37.00528; -92.46361
River mouth 843 ft (257 m)
36°56′52″N 92°30′14″W / 36.94778°N 92.50389°W / 36.94778; -92.50389

Tarbutton Creek is a small stream located in the middle-northern part of Douglas County, which is in southern Missouri. It's part of a beautiful area known as the Ozarks. A stream is like a small river, a natural flow of water.

What is Tarbutton Creek?

Tarbutton Creek is a natural waterway that flows through the landscape. It's an important part of the local environment. Creeks like Tarbutton Creek help carry water across the land. They also provide homes for many plants and animals.

Where Does it Flow?

The creek starts from its headwaters. This is the very beginning of the stream. For Tarbutton Creek, its headwaters are just south of County Road C-124. This spot is west of Missouri Route C.

From there, the creek flows generally towards the south and southwest. It passes underneath Missouri Route 76 near a place called Brushyknob. After Brushyknob, it continues flowing southwest. It runs alongside Route 76 for a while.

Finally, Tarbutton Creek joins a larger stream called Bryant Creek. This meeting point is called a confluence. The confluence happens about two miles north of Vera Cruz.

How Did it Get its Name?

Tarbutton Creek gets its name from a local family. The Tarbutton family lived in the area for a long time. It's common for natural features like creeks and hills to be named after early settlers or important families in a region.

Life Around the Creek

Even though Tarbutton Creek is small, it's full of life. Creeks in the Ozarks are home to many different creatures. You might find various types of fish swimming in the water. Frogs and turtles often live along the banks.

The areas around the creek also support many plants. Trees like oak and hickory grow nearby. Wildflowers add splashes of color. These plants provide food and shelter for animals. Birds, insects, and small mammals all depend on the creek's ecosystem.

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