Spring Creek (Collin County, Texas)

Spring Creek is a stream in Collin and Dallas counties, in the United States. Spring Creek (pronounced: /sprɪŋ kriːk/) is a 16.5-mile-long tributary of Rowlett Creek located in southern Collin County, Texas. It plays a significant role in the region's geography, history, and ecology.

The creek rises in west Plano, flowing south-east passing under the Collin Creek Shopping Center, and major roads including President George Bush Turnpike, U.S. Route 75 before crossing into Dallas County in Garland, passing the Curtis Culwell Center before meeting the Rowlett Creek at State Highway 78.

Geography and hydrology
Spring Creek originates 2.5 miles west of Allen, Texas, and flows south-Eastward through rolling terrain characterized by clay soils. Its course passes through the cities of Plano and Richardson, eventually emptying into Rowlett Creek, which discharges into the Trinity River north of Dallas. The creek historically supported a diverse riparian ecosystem, providing habitat for various native plants and wildlife, including catfish, sunfish, turtles, and frogs. However, urbanization and development have impacted its water quality and ecological health.

History
Spring Creek played a crucial role in the early settlement of Collin County. In 1857, the first schoolhouse in the county, named Spring Creek School, was established along its banks near present-day Plano. The surrounding area developed into several communities, including Spring Creek Colony (northwest of Plano) and Barksdale (northwest of Lebanon ).The creek served as a source of water and sustenance for these communities, fostering agriculture and early economic activity.

Modern usage
Today, Spring Creek flows through an increasingly urbanized landscape, facing challenges from pollution, erosion, and habitat loss .However, efforts are underway to restore the creek and its surrounding natural areas.The City of Plano established the Spring Creek Nature Area in 2012 to preserve and restore a portion of the creek's riparian habitat .The Spring Creek Greenway project aims to create a continuous greenway along the creek's course, providing recreational opportunities and enhancing environmental quality.

Spring creek has four sections:


 * 1) Montgomery County Preserve Trailhead: This easternmost starting point offers access to the trail's serene wooded section.
 * 2) Rob Fleming Recreational Center Trailhead: This provides a convenient entry point near Spring Creek Park with amenities like restrooms and playgrounds.
 * 3) Flintridge Trailhead: This offers a scenic overlook of the creek and surrounding wetlands, ideal for birdwatching or picnicking.
 * 4) Creekside Park West Trailhead: This westernmost starting point provides access to the trail's final stretch leading to the confluence of Spring Creek and Spring Lake.