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Rivers, Creeks & Streams

The Heartbeat of Barnegat Bay

Barnegat Bay depends on a delicate network of 58 named rivers, creeks, and streams, each acting like capillaries to bring life-sustaining fresh water to its core. Many of these waterways begin their journey in the Pine Barrens, bubbling out of the ground and flowing all over Ocean and parts of Monmouth county to deliver the freshwater that is essential to the bay’s health and surrounding ecosystems. Together, these rivers, creeks, and streams come together to become key features of our Barnegat Bay watershed!

A watershed, put simply, is the name given to the area of land where all water – regardless of how big or small it may be – flows downhill and finds itself ending up in a larger body of water. In our case that larger body of water is the bay and together this process makes up what is known as the Barnegat Bay watershed. Everything that happens on this land affects the rivers, creeks, and streams around it, which ultimately will affect Barnegat Bay as the water in this area “sheds” off the ground. Fun fact, no matter where you are, you are in a watershed!

Discover the Waterways Near You

Everyone lives within a watershed, and your property ultimately impacts Barnegat Bay. Our campaign encourages residents, families, and organizations to get involved by learning about the rivers, creeks, and streams near you. Whether through clean-up activities, water sampling, or eco-friendly changes in your own backyard, small actions can make a big difference.

Join us for a hands-on adventure and gain a firsthand connection to the waterways that sustain Barnegat Bay. Local small businesses have donated canoes and kayaks to help you explore, clean-up, and learn more about these vital water sources.

Book Your River Adventure:
Email our Outreach Coordinator, Alec Boss at outreach@savebarnegatbay.org to plan a custom river experience for you, your family, or organization!

Connecting with Our Waterways

With generous donations from local businesses, Save Barnegat Bay offers guided experiences that empower our community to take meaningful action. Through river-friendly practices, stormwater management, and eco-conscious yard maintenance, you can help protect and enhance the health of Barnegat Bay’s waters.

Why It Matters

By developing a connection to these waterways, we all become stewards of Barnegat Bay. Your support and involvement are essential to preserving the bay’s beauty and biodiversity for generations to come.

Support the Bay

Consider donating, volunteering, or spreading the word about our campaign to protect and revitalize Barnegat Bay. Together, we can make a difference.

There are 27 Main Streams:

Metedeconk River
Beaverdam River
Reedy Creek
Kettle Creek
Silver Bay/Tide Creek
Goose Creek
Toms River
Potters Creek
Cedar Creek
Stouts Creek
Forked River
Oyster Creek
Waretown Creek
Lochiel Creek
Gunning River
Cedar Creek
Manahawkin Creek
Mill Creek
Cedar Run
Dinner Point Creek
Westecunk Creek
Parker Run
Weir Creek
Jessie’s Creek
Hughie’s (Lippincott) Creek
Tuckerton Creek
Willis Creek

Alexandra Sellitsch

Alex is 27 years old and is an aspiring marine biologist who is finishing up her junior year at Stockton University. Growing up by the beach has made a significant impact on Alex’s life, which has influenced her passion for the ocean. She is an advocate for elasmobranch conservation, and enjoys getting her hands dirty in research. Alex is currently an intern with Barnegat Bay, researching pathogen influences in the bay’s water. She is also an active intern partnering with one of her professors, who is researching dual seagrass habitats in the Mullica River-Great Bay Estuary. In her spare time, Alex enjoys spending time at the beach and teaching herserself new hobbies. Hobbies that include roller skating, and surfing. Alex is also volunteering with the Berkeley Township Underwater Search and Rescue Team, and is in the process of obtaining her SCUBA certification.