Assiscunk Creek facts for kids
Assiscunk Creek is a tributary (a smaller stream that flows into a larger one) of the Delaware River in southwestern New Jersey in the United States.
The name Assiscunk (sometimes spelled Assiscunke or Essiscunk) comes from the Lenape language. It means "muddy creek." Long ago, people also called it Wissahisk River, Birch Creek, or Barracks Creek.
Assiscunk Creek is about 17 miles (27 km) long. It drains an area of about 60 square miles (155 sq km) in Burlington County, New Jersey. The creek starts in Springfield Township. Soon after, it forms the border between Springfield Township and Mansfield Township.
As it flows, Annaricken Brook joins it. Then, Crafts Creek enters near the U.S. Route 206 road crossing. Further along, Assiscunk Branch and Barkers Brook also flow into the creek, between U.S. Route 206 and the New Jersey Turnpike. The creek gets wider as it reaches the edge of Burlington City, where it finally empties into the Delaware River.
Nature and Wildlife
Along the creek, there are many wetlands. These wet areas are special homes for lots of different plants and animals. One important animal that lives here is the Bog turtle. This turtle is considered a threatened and endangered species, meaning it's very rare and needs protection.
Creek Health and Pollution
In the past, Assiscunk Creek had serious pollution problems. Its waters were considered very unhealthy. However, thanks to a lot of hard work, the creek has improved a lot in recent years!
Today, the creek's water quality is much better, but it's still not perfect. Most of the pollution comes from "non-point sources." This means the pollution doesn't come from one single pipe or factory. Instead, it comes from many different places, like runoff from farms or city streets.
The land around the creek is mostly used for farming. But there are also areas with cities and towns, as well as forests. Even though there's still work to do, the great improvements show that people are making a big effort to keep Assiscunk Creek clean and healthy.
Tributaries
- Barkers Brook
- Assiscunk Branch
- Crafts Creek
- Annaricken Brook
