Algae, Duckweed & Sponges

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. ) *

-- Wikipedia

* This is New Jersey ... Lord knows why the water is green. Try not to think about it.


Duckweed

magnified, actual size ~ 1/8"

You may find yourself paddling through masses of tiny green floating flecks. That is Duckweed. Duckweed is the tiniest of true plants, just a single leaf and a hair-like root.

-- Wikipedia


Sponges

Again, Yuck!

Freshwater sponges are nothing to write home about. They are typically just a colorless ( or sometimes green ) mass of goo that you wouldn't want to touch, unlike marine sponges which are often big and colorful. Sponges are animals, not plants, but they act like plants, so I'm putting them here.

-- Wikipedia


South River
( 40.43920, -74.36810 )

  1. Raritan River - Edison ( 40.48791, -74.38382 )
  2. Raritan River - Sayreville ( 40.47450, -74.35606 )
  3. South River - Old Bridge ( 40.41228, -74.36362 )
  4. South River - Sayreville ( 40.45397, -74.37222 )
  5. South River - South River ( 40.45838, -74.38361 )

The launch point is on the river behind the little strip mall off Route 527 / Old Matawan Rd. I have never had a problem parking here, although I don't think this would be a good place for a large group to show up. Entry can be messy if the water is low.

The river is tidal and brackish at this point. If the tide is high, you can go upstream to the left, under the highway. Pick your way around all the fallen trees and have fun avoiding all the dead-ends, and you can go all the way to the Duhernal Lake dam. The lake itself is off limits.

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