Wolf Run (Bowman Creek tributary) facts for kids

Wolf Run is a small stream, or tributary, that flows into Bowman Creek in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It's about 0.9 miles (1.4 km) long and runs through Ross Township. The area of land that drains into Wolf Run, called its watershed, is about 0.74 square miles (1.9 km²).

Near the start of the stream, there are special wet areas called wetlands. These wetlands are important and are listed on the Luzerne County Natural Areas Inventory. Wolf Run's water is very clean and cold, making it a great home for fish. It's known as a High-Quality Coldwater Fishery and a Migratory Fishery.

Where Wolf Run Flows

Wolf Run begins in a valley. This valley is close to the edge of a flat, high area of land called a plateau, in Ross Township.

The Stream's Journey

The stream first flows towards the south-southwest for a short distance. Then, it turns to the south-southeast and flows down a hill. After a little while, it turns south again. Finally, it reaches the bottom of the hill and joins Bowman Creek.

Wolf Run meets Bowman Creek about 24.04 miles (38.69 km) before Bowman Creek reaches its own end.

Land and Rocks Around Wolf Run

The land around Wolf Run has different types of soil and rocks. This is called surficial geology.

Stream's Height Above Sea Level

Near where Wolf Run joins Bowman Creek, the land is about 1,736 feet (529 m) above sea level. Where Wolf Run starts, its source is a bit higher, just over 2,140 feet (650 m) above sea level.

Types of Ground and Rocks

Near the mouth of Wolf Run, the ground is made of alluvium and alluvial fan. These are types of soil that contain layers of sand, silt, and gravel, and sometimes even large boulders.

Further upstream, the ground is covered by a type of soil called Wisconsinan Till. This was left behind by glaciers long ago. At the very beginning of the stream, the ground has solid bedrock. This bedrock is made of sandstone and shale.

Wolf Run's Watershed

The watershed of Wolf Run is the entire area of land where all the rain and snow eventually drain into the stream. This area covers about 0.74 square miles (1.9 km²).

Location and Wetlands

Wolf Run is located entirely within a specific map area called the Sweet Valley United States Geological Survey quadrangle. The place where it joins Bowman Creek is called Mountain Springs.

At the very start of Wolf Run, there are several wetland areas. These wetlands are connected to each other by water.

History and Fun Activities

Wolf Run has been known for a long time. It was officially added to the Geographic Names Information System on August 2, 1979. This system keeps track of names for places like rivers and mountains.

Past Uses of the Stream

In the past, Wolf Run was important for the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Its water was used to supply the railroad.

Outdoor Fun

At least part of Wolf Run flows through Pennsylvania State Game Lands Number 57. This is a large area of land set aside for wildlife and outdoor activities. There is also a hiking trail nearby, which means you can explore the area on foot.

Plants and Animals of Wolf Run

Wolf Run is a special place for wildlife. Its water is very clean and cold, which is perfect for certain fish.

Fish and Their Reproduction

The stream's watershed is called a High-Quality Coldwater Fishery and a Migratory Fishery. This means it's a great place for fish that like cold water. Wild trout naturally reproduce in the stream. They live and lay their eggs all the way from the stream's beginning to its end.

Wetland Plants and Animals

The wetlands at the start of Wolf Run are very important for nature. They are listed on the Luzerne County Natural Areas Inventory. The middle of these wetlands is quite open, and the edges are covered with shrubs.

Many different plants grow here, including:

• Cinnamon fern
• Highbush blueberry
• Cotton grass
• Soft rush
• Woolgrass
• Groundberry
• Huckleberry
• Cranberry
• Swamp candles

Other plants include different kinds of sedgees like Carex stricta, Carex rustrata, and Carex folliculata. You can also find mosses and red spruce trees. Scientists have even seen two special animal species that are important to protect in this area.

Protecting the Wetlands

The wetlands at the start of Wolf Run are mostly undisturbed. A trail goes close to the wetlands, but hikers don't seem to be trampling the plants. While deer eating plants could be a problem, no major damage has been seen. Other possible threats to the wetlands include logging and changes to how water flows in the area.