Alloway Creek Marsh Restoration
Restoring wetlands. Supporting wildlife. Strengthening our region.
This restoration site is part of PSEG’s Estuary Enhancement Program (EEP) — a long-term effort to restore and strengthen tidal wetlands along the Delaware Estuary.
Working with scientists, environmental organizations, regulators and local communities, the program focuses on restoring marsh habitat, improving aquatic ecosystems and supporting the long-term health of the estuary.
Through restoration projects like this one, the EEP helps expand habitat for fish and wildlife, encourage the return of native marsh vegetation and reconnect wetlands with natural tidal processes.
Learn more about the Estuary Enhancement Program and restoration efforts across the Delaware Estuary.
Overview
In 1996, the Estuary Enhancement Program began restoration efforts at the Alloway Creek Watershed Phragmites-dominated Wetland Restoration Site in Elsinboro and Lower Alloways Creek Townships, Salem County, New Jersey.
Located within the Delaware Estuary, the site spans 3,096 acres, with 1,601 acres targeted for restoration and enhancement. The wetlands are influenced by the tides of the Delaware River and Alloway Creek, making the area an important habitat for fish, wildlife and marsh vegetation.
Restoration and enhancement activities were completed in 1999, helping restore ecological balance and strengthen aquatic habitat across the watershed.
Restoration goals
Restoration efforts focused on improving the health and resilience of the wetland ecosystem by:
- controlling and reducing the invasive plant Phragmites
- encouraging the return of Spartina and other desirable marsh vegetation
- preserving wetlands and the surrounding upland buffer
- expanding spawning and nursery habitat for aquatic species
Actions taken
To achieve these restoration goals, the Estuary Enhancement Program implemented a series of targeted restoration measures across the site, including:
- targeted herbicide treatments applied by aerial, ground and boat methods to control Phragmites and support the re-establishment of Spartina
- grading remnant perimeter dikes to improve site conditions
- studying 111 test areas to evaluate the effectiveness of different Phragmites control and elimination methods
These science-based actions helped restore natural marsh processes and create conditions for native vegetation to return.
Restoration results
Through these efforts, the program achieved a significant milestone:
- 1,601 acres of aquatic habitat restored within the Delaware Estuary
This restoration expanded important marsh habitat that supports aquatic species and strengthens the ecological health of the watershed.
Public access and environmental education
Additional site enhancements were completed to encourage environmental learning and responsible public access, including:
- observation platform and tower
- wildlife viewing blind
- two nature trails
- two parking areas
These features allow visitors, researchers and educators to experience the restored marsh landscape firsthand.
Ongoing stewardship
Long-term care remains an essential part of the restoration effort. The Estuary Enhancement Program continues to support the site through:
- monitoring biological communities
- monitoring vegetation
- continued Phragmites control
This ongoing stewardship helps ensure the restoration remains effective and the ecosystem continues to thrive.
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Before restoration began, Phragmites dominated nearly 60 percent of the site. Targeted herbicide treatments and removal of dead plant material led to a rapid decline in Phragmites. As drainage conditions improved, Spartina and other native marsh vegetation re-established across the restored wetlands.
Before restoration (1996)
Prior to restoration, the Alloway Creek site was largely dominated by Phragmites, shown in tan on the vegetation map. Smaller, fragmented areas of Spartina and other desirable marsh plants were present in limited areas.
After restoration
Following implementation of Phragmites controls, Phragmites coverage declined significantly, drainage improved and Spartina vegetation expanded across the marsh.
