Stream Naming

     Yellow Creek and North Fork of Yellow Creek are the only two streams in our watershed with official U. S. Geological Survey names.  The Friends of Yellow Creek believe that stream names can make us more aware of our beautiful creek and its tributaries. Streams are an important but often ignored part of our infrastructure (they move a great deal of water); names can help us think and talk about them.

     From 2010 to 2013 our group lead by the late Ron Czerski, reviewed maps, searched historical records, and queried organizations about existing stream names.  We obtained information from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Northeast Ohio Four County Regional Planning and Development Organization (NEFCO), Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Summit County, Summit County Engineer’s Office, Metro Parks Serving Summit County, and Bath Township Museum.

     We interviewed residents, collecting oral histories.  Additionally, we talked over maps with residents at Bath Community Day and the Fall into Nature celebrations for three consecutive years. 

      Names of 19 streams were identified in Bath Township.  Sixteen of the named streams are in the Yellow Creek watershed, two drain directly into the Cuyahoga River, and one is in the Furnace Run watershed.  The final list of names was approved by the Bath Board of Trustees and 15 have been approved by the USGS. We also hope that Summit County will place signs on the local bridges indicating the name of the streams.