The Manasquan Floodplain

Sediments deposited by the Manasquan River provide moist, fertile soils where ironwood, ash, and hickory trees flourish, and many wildflowers bloom before the tree leaves block the sunlight, creating a striking display of spring color. Millions of years of erosion and flooding helped form the valley, and heavy rains periodically caused the river to overflow, spreading silt, soil, and water onto the valley floor. These floodplains slow the momentum of raging floodwaters that might otherwise be more destructive downstream. Animals living here survive floods by climbing trees, running to higher ground, or flying away, and residents include deer, raccoons, birds, frogs, and water snakes.

New Jersey · United States