Ballanger Creek facts for kids
Ballanger Creek is a small but important waterway in southern New Jersey, United States. It's about 4.7 miles (7.6 kilometers) long. This creek is a tributary of the larger Mullica River. A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger one.
The name "Ballanger" comes from an old family name, "Belangee." This family were French Huguenots, who were early settlers in the area. Huguenots were French Protestants who often faced challenges for their beliefs.
Ballanger Creek starts in Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, which is west of Tuckerton. From there, it flows south. It passes under U.S. Route 9. For much of its journey, the creek forms the border between Ocean County and Burlington County.
As it flows, Ballanger Creek goes through old cranberry farms that are no longer used. These areas are on the eastern side of a part of Bass River State Forest. The creek then reaches the marshy areas of the Mullica River. Here, other smaller creeks like Lower Pasture Creek and World's End Creek join it. A water channel called Mathis Thorofare connects Ballanger Creek to Broad Creek, which is to its west. Just a bit further downstream, Fish Creek joins it. Then, the larger Winter Creek flows in right before Ballanger Creek finally empties into the Mullica River.
Amazing Plants Along the Creek
Ballanger Creek is home to some very special and rare plants. These plants are hard to find anywhere else. They grow in the old, unused cranberry bogs along the creek's path.
Two of these rare plants are:
- The Marsh Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium aquaticum var. aquaticum)
- The Pine Barren Boneset (Eupatorium resinosum)
These plants are important parts of the local ecosystem. They show how unique the natural environment around Ballanger Creek is.
Creek Connections: Tributaries
Ballanger Creek has several smaller streams, or tributaries, that flow into it. These tributaries add water to the creek as it makes its way to the Mullica River.
Here are the main tributaries of Ballanger Creek:
- Winter Creek
- Fish Creek
- Mathis Thorofare
- World's End Creek
- Lower Pasture Creek
