Leeches Run
The 1.5-mile-long creek, sometimes referred to as Ogontz Creek, begins as a storm sewer outfall from the Lynnewood Gardens Apartment Complex in a wetlands behind the Elkins Park Post office near the intersection of Mather Way and Penrose Avenue. This creek was named after Toby Leech (died 1726) during his lifetime. According to an article about the Leech family in the February 17, 1911 Times Chronicle, there is a description of a spring that originates on his property and flows in the same area as this unnamed creek. This three quarter square mile watershed is home to about 5,000 people, downtown Elkins Park, the Dominican Retreat, and Temple Adath Jeshurun. It is also the home to the historical estates of Widener, Elkins, Stetson, and Jay Cooke, as well as part of Camp William Penn, the Civil War training camp for African American Union soldiers.
Watershed Facts
Unique Fact
Did you know the critters you find in the stream, such as leeches, can tell you how healthy the water is? Leeches can live in pretty dirty water, so Leeches Run may not be the cleanest.
Did you know...
Leeches Run is a part of the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed, which eventually flows into the Delaware River.
