Ever wonder what lies beneath the surface of a seemingly ordinary New York City waterway? Today we explore Hendrix Creek. Hendrix Creek is a narrow body of water with a history as intriguing as the wildlife it attracts.
Hendrix Creek flows from near Flatlands Avenue to Jamaica Bay. An 1891 map shows it once stretched north to New Lots Avenue. During winter Hendrix Creek often remains ice-free. This is likely due to warm water from the nearby 26th Ward Water Pollution Control Plant. This creates milder conditions attracting diverse waterfowl.
Birdwatchers flock to Hendrix Creek. They hope to spot a variety of ducks and geese. It’s not unusual to see over twelve species. Some hope to find Green-winged Teal or Canvasback.
I once visited Hendrix Creek hoping to see Green-winged Teal. I could hear the male’s short whistled note before I saw them. There were only a few dozen. On colder days you might see hundreds. I also saw Bufflehead, Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Black Duck and Mallard. Ruddy Ducks and American Coot were present too.
Walking south I scanned the water toward the bay. A Belted Kingfisher rattled from a perch. It seems one is there every winter. I also heard a kinglet. I spotted a Ruby-crowned Kinglet gleaning insects. They were on dried phragmite shafts.
The Pennsylvania Avenue and Fountain Avenue landfills dominate the southern horizon. These have been converted into grassland habitat. Raptors hunt over these landfills. One day I spotted a soaring Red-tailed Hawk. A Northern Harrier chased the larger raptor. The Red-tailed Hawk circled higher until the Harrier gave up.
In August 2010, dredging began at Hendrix Creek. The goal was to improve water quality. Workers removed accumulated sediment to reduce odors in the community. A wetland restoration project was completed. 30000 salt marsh plants were planted. 23000 square feet of coastal grassland and shrubland were added. These actions improved the creek’s ecology.
Hydraulic dredging was used. A cutter head loosened the sediment. Pumps vacuumed the sediment through a pipe onto barges. The material was dewatered at the 26th Ward Wastewater Treatment Plant pier. It was then transported off-site for disposal. The creek bottom was restored with an 18-inch layer of clean sand.
The Hendrix Creek Wetland Restoration Project aimed to restore habitat. Invasive plants were removed. Native plants that had been displaced were replanted. The restored tidal salt marsh provides key ecological functions. These functions include nursery habitat for fish and water filtering.
Jamaica Bay is a critical stop for migratory birds. Hendrix Creek contributes to the bay’s diverse ecological resources. It supports fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals.
So next time you’re near Jamaica Bay remember Hendrix Creek. It is a vital part of New York City’s ecosystem. It’s a place where careful restoration makes a real difference.