Rancocas Creek Watershed Case Study: Watershed Stewardship

  The Rancocas Creek Watershed stretches over 269 square miles, crossing over multiple counties and towns within the South Jersey region. The Rancocas Creek watershed slopes from higher ground in its headwater areas (signified by green star markers on the map), which are tens to a few hundred feet above sea level, down to near‑sea level at its mouth (signified by a red star marker on the map) on the Delaware River, about 0-10 feet. Take note of the Pinelands that the headwaters lay within, these lands contain sandy soil which allow for rapid recharge of groundwater and subsurface flow. Also take note of the farmlands in-between the Pinelands and Philadelphia suburbs along the Delaware River, most of this land is flat with small tributaries that assist in supporting agricultural needs.  Below is a list of counties and towns within them that follow the Rancocas Creek Watershed: Burlington County Burlington County is 821 square miles and contains the largest portion of the w...

   Map of Rancocas Creek Watershed. Take note of the three different branches.      Pinelands forest along the North Branch area, dominating the headwaters Shinns Branch, McDonalds Branch, Coopers Branch, and Ongs run: Scientific species name: Pinus rigida Common name: Pitch Pine Native Scientific species name: Quercus marilandica Common name: Blackjack Oak Native Scientific species name: Quercus stellata Common name: Post Oak Native Scientific species name: Quercus coccinea Common name: Scarlet Oak Native Scientific species name: Quercus ilicifolia Common name: Scrub Oak Native Scientific species name: Ilex opaca Common name: American Holly Native Scientific species name: Sassafras albidum Common name: Sassafras  Native Scientific species name: Prunus serotina Common name: Black Cherry  Native Scientific species name: Vaccinium spp. Common name: Highbush and Lowbush Blueberry Native Scientific species name: Kalmia latifolia Common name: Mountain Laure...