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Trent River (Ontario) facts for kids

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Trent River
Trent River.jpg
Trent River south of Batawa Dam and Locks
Country Canada
Province Ontario
Physical characteristics
Main source Rice Lake
River mouth Bay of Quinte (Lake Ontario)
Trenton
Length 90 km (56 mi)

The Trent River is a cool river in southeastern Ontario, Canada. It starts at Rice Lake and flows into the Bay of Quinte, which is part of Lake Ontario. This river is super important because it's a big part of the Trent-Severn Waterway. This waterway is like a water highway that connects Lake Ontario all the way to Georgian Bay. The Trent River itself is about 90 kilometers (56 miles) long. It helps drain a huge area of south-central Ontario, including most of the beautiful Kawartha Lakes and all the smaller rivers and streams that feed them.

Amazing Animals of the Trent River

The Trent River is a busy home for many different kinds of animals. You can find lots of birds, amphibians (like frogs and salamanders), and a wide variety of fish here. It's a great place for nature lovers!

Fish You Might See

If you're fishing or just looking into the water, you might spot some of these fish:

  • Smallmouth bass
  • Largemouth bass
  • Pike (also known as Northern pike)
  • Walleye
  • Freshwater drums
  • Crappie
  • Smaller fish like Sunfish, Rock Bass, and Bluegill

These fish make the river a lively place and are an important part of its ecosystem.

River Connections and Education

The Trent River has some important connections to other waterways and even a university!

Rivers Joining the Trent

Two other rivers flow into the Trent River, adding to its size and flow:

Trent University

Speaking of Peterborough, you'll find Trent University there. This university is named after the region, including the Trent River. It was created to provide excellent university education to people living in the area.

The Water Soldier Plant: An Unwanted Visitor

Sometimes, plants from other parts of the world can end up in new places. In 2008, a plant called the water soldier plant was found growing along the shores of the Trent River.

What is the Water Soldier Plant?

The water soldier plant comes from Europe. It's often sold in garden stores as a plant for ponds. It has sharp, sword-like leaves that can be a bit prickly.

How it Spreads

One concern about the water soldier plant is how quickly it can spread. It uses a method called asexual reproduction, which means it can make new plants all by itself without needing seeds from another plant. This allows it to grow and cover large areas very fast, which can sometimes cause problems for native plants and animals in the river.

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