Note: New Jersey law requires the wearing of a PFD from November 1 through May 1.

Plants

Water Lily

Here are just a few aquatic plants:


Pictured above is a classic example of poison ivy. Note how three leaves grow in a cluster from a single node, with no leaves further down the stem. The side leaves have no stalks, while the center leaf has a short stalk. This pattern is universal - if you see it, stay away.


Algae

Yuck!

Unlike marine algae, freshwater algae is usually little more than green slime. Much of it is actually microscopic single-celled organisms that form the base of the food chain. That is why the water is green ( when it is green. ) *


Fanwort

Fanwort is a fully aquatic true plant. It grows steadily through the warm months, and can choke-out large areas, then dies back in the winter. Fanwort produces tiny flowers above the surface.


Swimming River
( 40.33481, -74.10058 )

  1. Navesink River - Claypit Creek ( 40.39367, -74.02062 )
  2. Navesink River - Fair Haven ( 40.36647, -74.04204 )
  3. Navesink River - Red Bank ( 40.35212, -74.06980 )
  4. Navesink River - Rumson (E) ( 40.37649, -73.99990 )
  5. Navesink River - Rumson (W) ( 40.37650, -74.01310 )
  6. Shadow Lake - Middletown ( 40.34698, -74.10476 )
  7. Swimming River - Middletown ( 40.34831, -74.08318 )
  8. Swimming River - Red Bank ( 40.33838, -74.08815 )

The Swimming River is an extension of the Navesink. On the map above, you can see the main put-in is at the upper-right in the new (2015) county park. You need to check in at the ranger's hut; there is a ramp fee of $7 per vessel, including kayaks and canoes. The park also has a strict closing time, at which the gates are locked. For details, see the county's page here:

  • https://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?ID=4545