Black Creek (New Jersey)
Black Creek is a tributary of the Crosswicks Creek located in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. It is a minor waterway contributing to the larger Crosswicks Creek watershed.
The creek's course flows generally westward, draining portions of Millstone Township and Upper Freehold Township. It eventually empties into Crosswicks Creek, which itself flows westward towards the Delaware River.
While not a major river, Black Creek plays a local role in drainage and provides a habitat for various species of aquatic and riparian wildlife. Land use along its banks is a mix of agricultural, residential, and forested areas. Due to increasing development pressure in the region, concerns regarding water quality and habitat preservation in Black Creek and the broader Crosswicks Creek watershed have been raised. Local environmental groups and government agencies monitor the creek's health and implement conservation measures.
Historically, the creek would have played a part in the agricultural activities of the surrounding area, providing water for irrigation and livestock. Its name likely reflects the dark, tannin-rich water often found in creeks draining forested areas.