Turkey Run (West Branch Susquehanna River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Turkey Run |
|
|---|---|
Turkey Run looking downstream
|
|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | base of a large mountain in Clinton Township, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania 596 ft (182 m) |
| River mouth | West Branch Susquehanna River in Clinton Township, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania near Seagers 459 ft (140 m) 41°10′56″N 76°49′08″W / 41.1823°N 76.8188°W |
| Length | 2.2 mi (3.5 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | West Branch Susquehanna River → Susquehanna River → Chesapeake Bay |
| Basin size | 2.18 sq mi (5.6 km2) |
Turkey Run is a small stream, or tributary, that flows into the West Branch Susquehanna River. It's located in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. The stream is about 2.2 miles (3.5 km) long. It flows through a place called Clinton Township.
The area of land that drains into Turkey Run, called its watershed, is about 2.18 square miles (5.6 km2). This stream is considered healthy and clean, meaning it's not listed as a polluted waterbody. Turkey Run is a good home for aquatic life, like fish and other water creatures. It's also known as a great spot for both warmwater and migratory fish.
Contents
Where Turkey Run Flows
Turkey Run starts at the bottom of a big mountain in Clinton Township. First, it flows east for a short distance. Then, it turns south and goes through a small pond.
After a bit more flowing, the stream turns southeast. It passes through another small pond. It also crosses Pennsylvania Route 405 and some railroad tracks. Finally, it turns south-southwest before joining the West Branch Susquehanna River. Turkey Run meets the West Branch Susquehanna River about 25.64 miles (41.26 km) before the larger river reaches its own mouth.
Geography and Land Around the Stream
The land around Turkey Run is interesting! Near where Turkey Run joins the West Branch Susquehanna River, the elevation is about 459 feet (140 m) above sea level. Where the stream begins, its source, the elevation is higher, around 596 feet (182 m) above sea level.
People have described Turkey Run as a "small stream" for a long time, even back in 1892. This stream is found in a special area known as the Black Hole Valley. Another stream, Black Hole Creek, is also in this valley.
Turkey Run's Watershed
The watershed of Turkey Run covers an area of about 2.18 square miles (5.6 km2). This entire area is within a map section called the Muncy quadrangle, created by the United States Geological Survey. The mouth of Turkey Run is less than 1 mile (1.6 km) from a place called Seagers.
The main purpose for Turkey Run, as decided by environmental groups, is to support aquatic life. This means it's important for fish and other creatures that live in the water. The stream is not far from Williamsport, but it's on the other side of the West Branch Susquehanna River. A facility called the State Correctional Institution Muncy is located near where Turkey Run begins.
History of Turkey Run
Turkey Run was officially added to the Geographic Names Information System on August 2, 1979. This system helps keep track of names for places like rivers and mountains.
Long ago, in the early days of settlement, Turkey Run was very important. It provided power for gristmills, which ground grain into flour, and sawmills, which cut wood. This helped the communities living near the stream to grow and thrive.
Today, a bridge carrying Pennsylvania Route 405 crosses over Turkey Run. In 2013, there were plans to replace this bridge between 2014 and 2016, with an estimated cost of $85,000. Sometimes, companies working on construction nearby might need special permits to make sure their activities don't harm the stream.
Biology and Fish Life
The watershed of Turkey Run is a great place for fish! It's known as both a Warmwater Fishery and a Migratory Fishery. This means it's home to fish that prefer warmer waters, and it's also a path for fish that travel to different areas to lay their eggs.
