Everything about White Clay Creek totally explained
White Clay Creek is a
tributary of the
Christina River, approximately 25 mi (40 km) long, in southern
Pennsylvania and northern
Delaware in the
United States. It is renowned for its scenic character and is largely federally protected.
The 107 square mile White Clay Creek watershed is home to nearly 100,000 people and includes parts of
Chester County, Pennsylvania and
New Castle County, Delaware. The Pennsylvania portion still retains a rural character while the Delaware portion is more suburbanized. Sediment eroded from the rolling hills of Chester County is carried into the White Clay, probably accounting for the creek's name.
The majority of the stream is in the Piedmont region which is characterized by rolling hills, plateaus, and stream valleys. The southern portion of the stream, near Newark is in the Atlantic Coastal Plain, a relatively flat area that's dotted with large tidal wetlands. The White Clay Creek empties into the Christina River at Churchman’s Marsh.
East Branch
The East Branch arises near the hamlet of Upland in
West Marlborough Township. Flowing southward, it passes through
Avondale, where it's joined by
Trout Run. From Avondale, the former
Pomeroy and Newark Railroad, abandoned in 1939, follows the creek southward. Further south, after the confluence of
Egypt Run, the creek begins to turn and meander in a narrow gorge, passing through
Landenberg, formerly a mill town and the junction of the Pomeroy & Newark with the
Wilmington and Western Railroad. Exiting the gorge into a broader valley, the creek receives
Broad Run shortly after entering the
White Clay Creek Preserve. It joins the main body of the White Clay Creek in the Preserve, at the lost community of
Yeatman.
Middle Branch
The Middle Branch originates in
Londonderry Township. Flowing southward along the western edge of
West Grove, it turns east, south again, and then east again to meet
Indian Run. Turning south, it cuts sharply through the hills near Chesterville and meets the the West Branch to form the main stem.
West Branch
The West Branch rises near
Kelton and flows south and east through
New London Township, gradually turning to the east where it meets the Middle Branch to form the main stem.
Main Stem
The main stem is formed by the junction of West and Middle Branches. From here, it enters a narrow valley and then the White Clay Creek Preserve, meeting the East Branch at Yeatman. It flows south through the
White Clay Creek Preserve and enters New Castle County, Delaware and
White Clay Creek State Park approximately 12 mi (19 km) west of
Wilmington. Trails parallel the creek, some of them using parts of the Pomeroy & Newark roadbed, which follows the creek to the outskirts of
Newark. The creek then turns away to the east, receiving
Middle Run and
Pike Creek. As it approaches the Christina estuary, the valley opens up, and it passes
Delaware Park.
Mill Creek flows into it, shortly followed by its largest tributary,
Red Clay Creek. The conjoined streams turn southwest and then back to the east as they loop around Bread and Cheese Island, formed between the Red Clay, White Clay, and
Hershey Run by a back channel now filled. Just after passing the island, White Clay Creek enters the Christina approximately 5 mi (8 km) southwest of Wilmington at Churchman's Marsh.
History and Ecology
The river's historical sites include
lime kilns and
19th century mills. Its lower course includes the most extensive
Piedmont forests remaining in Delaware that are home to several key species, including the federally listed endangered
bog turtle. In 2000, the
United States Congress designated 190 mi (304 km) of the river and its tributaries as part of the
National Wild and Scenic River program.
Further Information
Get more info on 'White Clay Creek'.
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