Manumuskin River facts for kids
The Manumuskin River is a beautiful river in New Jersey, about 16.3 miles (26.2 km) long. It's like a smaller stream that flows into a bigger river, the Maurice River, in Cumberland County. The Manumuskin River is an important part of the natural world in New Jersey, United States.
This river flows through a very clean and untouched forest area. You can find it in the southern part of the Pine Barrens, which is a unique forest region in New Jersey. As the river gets closer to the ocean, it also passes through special areas called Atlantic white cedar bogs (wet, spongy lands) and salt marshes (grassy wetlands near the coast). The name "Manumuskin" comes from the Lenape people, who were the original inhabitants of this land.
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Where Does the Manumuskin River Start and End?
The River's Journey: From Source to Bay
The Manumuskin River begins its journey about 5 miles (8 km) east of a town called Vineland. From there, it flows generally towards the south and southwest. It eventually joins the Maurice River, which is wide enough for boats to travel on. This meeting point is about 5 miles (8 km) south-southeast of Millville. The Manumuskin River flows into the Maurice River about 7 miles (11 km) before the Maurice River reaches the big Delaware Bay.
Protecting the Manumuskin River's Natural Beauty
The Manumuskin River Preserve: A Special Place
A large part of the land around the Manumuskin River is protected. About 3,500 acres (1,400 hectares) of this area are part of the Manumuskin River Preserve. This preserve was created in 1983 to keep the river and its surroundings safe and natural. It's actually the biggest protected natural area of its kind in New Jersey!
Part of a Wild and Scenic River System
Some sections of the Manumuskin River are also recognized as part of the Maurice Wild and Scenic River system. This means these parts of the river are considered very special because of their natural, cultural, and recreational value. They are protected to make sure they stay beautiful for future generations.
Local Efforts to Keep the River Healthy
There's a local group called Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries, Inc.. This group is a non-profit organization that works hard to protect the entire Maurice River watershed, which includes the Manumuskin River. They focus on keeping the water clean and the natural habitats healthy for all the plants and animals that live there.
