Marshes Creek facts for kids
Marshes Creek is a small stream that flows into the Rahway River in Linden, New Jersey, United States. It's called a "tidal tributary" because its water levels are affected by the ocean's tides, just like a mini-river connected to a bigger one that feels the ocean's pull.
Contents
What is Marshes Creek?
Marshes Creek is a waterway that connects to the Rahway River. A "tributary" is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger one. Because Marshes Creek is close to the ocean, its water levels go up and down with the ocean's tides. This means it's a "tidal" tributary.
Where is Marshes Creek Located?
Marshes Creek is found in Linden, New Jersey. Most of the land around the creek is used for businesses and factories. However, there's also a neighborhood called Tremley Point. This area is located near where the creek begins, which is called its "headwaters."
Why is Marshes Creek Important?
Marshes Creek plays a role in the local environment and community. It helps drain water from the surrounding land. However, the area around the creek often experiences serious flooding. This can happen for a few reasons.
Flooding Challenges
One reason for flooding is heavy rainfall. When it rains a lot, the water doesn't always drain away easily. This is because the storm drains might not be big enough or clear enough to handle all the water.
Another big problem is "tidal flooding." This happens when high tides push water from the ocean into the creek and onto the land. The area is very low, which makes it more likely to flood. Also, the ocean's water levels are slowly rising over time, a process called sea level rise. This makes tidal flooding even worse.
Protecting Against Floods
Historically, there were natural areas called "salt marshes" and "wetlands" around Marshes Creek. These areas are like natural sponges. They help soak up extra water and protect the land from floods. However, many of these natural areas have been lost over time. This makes the flooding problems even more severe.
The Impact of Hurricane Sandy
In 2012, a very powerful storm called Hurricane Sandy hit the area. It caused a huge rush of ocean water, known as a "tidal surge," that was about 15 feet high in Tremley Point. This massive surge destroyed homes and roads. It also washed dangerous materials onto the land.
Helping the Community Recover
After Hurricane Sandy, the state of New Jersey started a program to help people in Tremley Point. Starting in 2014, they used money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This money helped the state buy homes in areas that flooded often.
The idea was that sometimes, moving away from flood-prone areas is the safest choice. When homes were bought, they were taken down. In their place, new open spaces were created.
Restoring Nature's Protection
The plan is to bring back nearly 200 acres of natural areas. This includes restoring "salt marshes" and "floodplain forests" and "meadows." These are all types of natural land that can absorb a lot of water. By restoring these areas, they can act like a natural "buffer." This means they can help protect the community from future storm surges and floods, making the area safer for everyone.
