Big Timber Creek Watershed

Big Timber Creek is surrounded on three sides by acres of freshwater, tidal wetlands that are an important resource for many wildlife and plant species. The creek flows through 28 communities beginning in Washington and Winslow townships and ending in West Deptford in Gloucester County and Gloucester City in Camden County. The creek has nine tributaries, six major lakes and 25 waterway miles with the main stream forming the county line between Gloucester and Camden counties. Farmland and forest surround the headwaters, but are rapidly becoming suburbanized. The lower part of the creek, which is the most urbanized, is tidal and contains a large estuary that provides important habitat for wildlife.

The watershed provides habitat for cormorants, egrets, great blue herons, loons and osprey. Many species of fish are found in the creek, including Atlantic shad and herring, largemouth and striped bass, yellow and white perch, American eel, carp, chain pickerel, channel catfish, sunfish and tiger muskie.  Snapping, box and painted turtles are also found in the creek, as well as freshwater clams and crayfish. Many wildflowers can be found in the area, particularly wetland species.

NJCF and its regional preservation partners have protected some 100 acres of natural lands and natural resources surrounding Big Timber Creek. In 1987, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection recognized the creek as one of the most polluted water bodies in New Jersey. Over the last two decades much of the industry-caused pollution has been corrected and water quality has been improved in many areas, but the watershed continues to be threatened by the environmental impacts of development.

NJCF and the Old Pine Farm Natural Lands Trust have partnered since the 1990s and together created the Old Pine Farm Preserve, a 36-acre urban greenway in Deptford, which provides the community with an ideal place for passive recreation and nature study. Old Pine Farm is one of the few remaining natural and protected areas along the highly developed, tidal section of Big Timber Creek. The area features grassland savannas, hardwood forests and a thick maple swamp. NJCF also worked with Deptford Township and the State Green Acres program to create the 18-acre Big Timber Creek Park in Deptford. Another noteworthy Big Timber Creek preserve is the 42-acre Andaloro Farm – Wildlife Management Area also in Deptford Township.

For more information on NJCF’s work in the Big Timber Creek project area, please contact NJCF Delaware Bayshore Regional Manager Janet Eisenhauer at (609) 624-1989 or Janet@njconservation.org.