RANCOCAS NATURE CENTER
Directions for Field Trip Sites
Rancocas Nature Center field trips include visits to many sites in southern New Jersey
and Delaware. The sites provide diverse habitats that appeal to many resident and
migratory birds. New Jersey Audubon's Birding & Wildlife Trails include descriptions of
many of these sites, and New Jersey Audubon’s Important Bird and Birding Areas
(IBBA) Site Guide provides details about the birds and conservation efforts at selected
sites. A Guide to Bird Finding in New Jersey by William J. Boyle, Jr. is another
descriptive resource on field sites. Site descriptions that follow usually give (1) the town
where located, (2) directions from points that may be found on most road maps, (3) a
mailing address where applicable (for GPS users), and (4) a notation in italics giving the
page number and map coordinates in DeLorme's New Jersey Atlas and
Gazeteer. Click here for photos of selected sites.
Amico Island County Park (Delran, Burlington County) This fifty-five acre park is just
south of the mouth of Rancocas Creek. From US 130 and Chester Avenue follow
Chester Avenue about 1.5 miles to St. Mihiel Drive, which is just over the railroad
tracks, and turn left. Take the third right to Norman Avenue. Follow Norman about a
half mile to the park entrance on the left, just before the turn onto River Drive. Amico
Island is an old dredge spoil, and includes upland forests, freshwater ponds and
wetlands, river shoreline and meadows. 57 I16
Assunpink Wildlife Management Area, (Upper Freehold and Millstone Twps, Mercer
County) This Wildlife Managemen Area lies along Assunpink Creek which is dammed to
form Assunpink Lake plus some other smaller impoundments. The WMA has several
roads traversing it, which lead to a variety of habitat. There are also unmarked foot
trails, some along closed-off road segments. There are woods, fields, streams and
some wetlands. The lake can be very rewarding during waterfowl migration. Facilities
limited to scattered portable toilets. From I-195 Exit 11, follow Imlaystown-Hightstown
north into the WMA; or from Exit 8, follow County Road 539 north about 1.5 miles to
Herbert Rd and turn right. Follow Herbert Rd about 1.5 miles to the intersection with
Imlaystown Rd and turn left to the WMA. For GPS: 386 Clarksburg-Robbinsville Rd,
Robbinsville, NJ. Headquarters: 43 M16
Atlantic County Park (Estell Manor Twp, Atlantic County) This is an extensive park off
NJ 50, south of the junction with US 40 in Mays Landing. The park entrance is a little
over 2 miles south of US 40. This park has a wide variety of habitats, including upland
forest, swamps, and meadows. There are rest stops, a museum, and picnic
facilities. There is an extensive trail system and drives. 70 E2
Barklay Farmstead (Cherry Hill, Camden County) This 32 acre site includes a restored
farmhouse, rental garden plots, some marshy areas, and a forested trail along the North
Branch of Cooper River. From I-295 use Exit 34B and go west on NJ 70 a little over 1/2
mile to a traffic light at West Gate Drive, just past the Barklay Shopping Center on the
left. Make a left at the light and a left at the fork onto Barklay Lane. Continue on this
lane for about 1/4 mile. The parking lot is just past the farmhouse on the left. From the
west, West Gate Drive is about 1/2 mile from NJ 41 (Kings Highway). 54 C14
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park (Barnegat Light, Ocean County). The park contains 32
acres at the northern tip of Long Beach Island. From the eastern terminus of NJ 72,
turn left on CR 607 (Long Beach Boulevard). After about 7 miles, in the town of
Barnegat Light, watch for 9th Avenue. Just beyond, make a half left onto
Broadway. The park entrance is near the end of Broadway on the right. Restrooms
and picnic tables are available. One of the last remnants of maritime forest on Long
Beach Island is found here. The forest is an important resting and feeding area for
migratory birds. The Maritime Forest Trail is a 1/5 mile long, self-guided loop trail
through this unique environment. In winter, watch the inlet and bay for Harlequin
Ducks, Longtails, Red-breasted Mergansers, Brant Geese and Common Eiders. Check
the stone jetties for Purple Sandpipers and Ruddy Turnstones. Look for Snow Buntings
and Horned Larks in the dunes. 58 L12
Batsto Historic Village (Washington Twp. Atlantic County) is on the Batsto River, about
a mile upstream from where it flows into the Mullica River. In the past this was a center
of the bog iron and lumbering industries. There is a mansion and a restored village, and
is the headquarters of Wharton State Forest. It is an access point for the famous
Batona Trail. The entrance is on CR 542 (Pleasant Mill Road/Batsto Bridgeport Road)
about 1/4 mile east of the intersection with CR 643 (Weekstown-Pleasant Mill
Road). CR 542 runs between US 30 in Hammonton and US 9 in New Gretna. 64 E 8
Big Timber Creek Park (also known as Slim's Ranch Park) (Gloucester Twp. Camden
County) borders County Road 683 (Chews Landing Road) just east of NJ 168 (Black
Horse Pike). The entrance is about 1/4 mile from NJ 1678. This 60-acre park has
fields, forested slopes, freshwater tidal wetlands, a network of trails, and is seasonally a
good birding area. It has a half-mile frontage on the North Branch of Big Timber Creek.
54 H11
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge (Smyrna, Delaware) is located at 2591 Whitehall
Neck Road. Phone (302) 653-9345. Follow signs to I-95 South. At Exit 4A on I-95, take
DE 1 (this is a partial toll road) to Exit 119A (the rest stop exit) to US 13 south. In
Smyrna, about 1 mile past the intersection with DE 6, make a left at a traffic light for DE
12 (Smyrna-Leipsic Road). There is a sign for the Refuge here. In about 5 miles, DE 12
merges with DE 9 South. Almost immediately, make a left onto Whitehall Neck Road.
The Refuge headquarters is about 2.5 miles from DE 9. Carpooling is recommended.
There is an entrance fee. There are restrooms, a picnic area, and a nature store. This
16,000 acre refuge includes freshwater pools, swamps, upland forests, agricultural
fields, and a very large unaltered tidal salt marsh. At this site look for waterfowl,
shorebirds, songbirds, and raptors.
Brendan Byrne State Forest (formerly Lebanon S.F.) (Pemberton and Woodland Twps,
Burlington County and Manchester Twp, Ocean County) The main entrance is south off
NJ 70 about one mile east of the intersection of NJ 70 and NJ 72. The entrance road
leads to a parking lot at the mostly closed headquarters building. The rest facilities in
the building are no longer available, but there are portable toilets outside. There are
restrooms and picnic facilities at Pakim Pond, about one mile east of
headquarters. One of the many interesting areas in the forest is the mature Atlantic
White Cedar Swamp along Shinn's Branch, with sweet bay magnolia, sour gum, and
red mape as associated trees. Headquarters 56 D12
Bright View Farm (Chesterfield Township, Burlington County). From intersection of NJ
68 (Ft. Dix Access Highway) and County Road 537 (Monmouth Rd), go east on 537
about 1 mile to CR 545 (Wrightstown-Georgetown Rd). Go left (north) on 545 for 0.7
miles; entrance to farm is on right. This is the best location locally for breeding
grassland birds including Boblink, Savannah, and Grasshopper Sparrows, Meadowlark,
Eastern Bluebird, and Killdeer. This is private property, but friendly to birders; please
obey all signs, do not block roads or cross fences. 48 H9
Crosswicks Creek Greenway (Upper Freehold Twp, Mercer County) consists of 1,046
acres. Areas of interest along the greenway include the following: From Burlington
County, traveling east on CR 537 (Monmouth Rd), the Crosswicks Creek Access is
about 1.5 miles past CR 528 (New Egypt- Jacobstown Rd) and 3/4 mile past Province
Line Rd (the Burlington - Mercer County Boundary). The Access entry is on the left just
past the creek. This small area is quite good for spring wildflowers and ferns. Continue
east on 537 about 1/4 mile and turn left (north) on CR 27 (Holmes Mill Road) then left
again in 1 mile at Hornerstown Road. In April, extensive stands of Virginia bluebells
bloom along the stream crossing here. Parking here is very limited. Finally, back on
Holmes Mill Rd, continue left about 3 miles to Walnford Road. Turn left, and watch for
signs to get to Historic Walnford, a restored village, with a manor, working grist mill,
outbuildings, picnic tables, and rest facilities. 489F14 to C13
Delaware River Overlooks (Florence, Burlington County) A boat ramp at Carey
Memorial Park in Florence is across from a landfill in PA. In winter, thousands of gulls
congregate on the river whenever the landfill is active (not on Sundays). Bald eagles
and other raptors are also seen. Take I 295 to Exit 52B; go west on CR 656 to the
river. Carey Park will be on the right, about 0.7miles after CR 656 hits the river and
becomes Front Street. Other river views are at Burlington and Beverly. 47 D27
Double-Trouble State Park (Berkeley and Lacey Twps, Ocean County). The park is a
center for Pinelands information. Its 8,000 acres contain typical Pinelands habitat as
well as areas associated with past and present commercial uses. A preserved historic
village recalls cranberry agriculture as well as Atlantic White Cedar logging and milling
industries. There are many trails. Restrooms are available. The park is traversed by
Cedar Creek, a popular canoeing stream. The creek is also the boundary between two
townships. The entrance is on County Road 618 (Pinewald-Keswick Road) at the
intersection with Double Trouble Road. From the northwest, this is about 2 miles from
the point where eastbound County Road 530 makes a sharp turn onto Dover Road.
Pinewald-Keswick Road carries on straight as County Road 618. There is a traffic light
at the CR 530/CR 618 intersection. From the southeast, the entrance is about a quartermile from the Garden State Parkway Exit 77. From the north on the Parkway, a left from
Exit 77 leads to Double Trouble Road. In about 3/4 of a mile, this road leads directly into
the park entrance. From the south, a left turn from the Exit 77 ramp will lead to
Pinewald-Keswick Road about 1/4 mile from the entrance. 58 D5
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Brigantine Division (Galloway Twp,
Atlantic County) is one of the most popular sites and is situated at 800 Great Creek Rd,
Oceanville, NJ 08231. Its entry is on East Great Creek Road, east of US 9 and about
11 miles from Atlantic City. It is also one mile north of the intersection of US 9 and East
Jimmie Leeds Road (CR 561) and a mile south of US 9 and County Alt 561 (E Moss Mill
Rd). There are restrooms, a picnic area, and a nature store at this site. Birders enjoy
the eight mile drive around the 1,415 acres of impounded fresh and brackish water
habitat in the midst of a natural tidal salt marsh. Up to 300 species have been identified
here with 270 being regulars. 71 B20
Elephant Swamp (Elk Twp, Gloucester County) This is an old railroad right-of-way and
part of the Elk Township Recreational Complex in eastern Gloucester County.The site is
accessed off County Road (CR) 538 (Franklinville-Swedesboro Road). From NJ 55, use
Exit 45 to CR 553 (Centerton-Glassboro Road) southbound. Shortly, after crossing CR
667 at an angle, turn right (west) on CR 538. The parking lot for the Swamp trail will be
on the left in a little over a mile. Railroad Avenue comes in from the right at this point.
There are no facilities here. The trail borders, in places, private property which should
be respected. Seasonally expect Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Scarlet Tanager, White-eyed
and Red-eyed Vireos, Ovenbirds, Worm-eating Warblers, Indigo Buntings, and Great
Crested Flycatchers. 62 C6
Evert Trail Preserve, also known as the Dot and Brooks Evert Memorial Nature Trail,
(Pemberton Twp, Burlington County). Going east in Pemberton on CR 530 (Pemberton
Rd S), go through traffic lights at the intersection of CR 616 (Vicentown Rd/Hanover
St). Immediately make a right on Magnolia Rd (sign points to NJ 72). In less than 1/4
mile turn right onto Scrapetown Rd) and follow it south for about 3 miles where it
becomes Stockton Bridge Rd. Turn left at the T intersection at CR 642 (Ong's Hat
Rd). The trailhead will be on the left in about 1 mile. This 170 acre preserve lies at the
very edge of New Jersey's Pine Barrens in the transition area between two major
geological areas, the inner and outer coastal plains. The 1.5 mile Evert Trail winds
through a dense wetlands forest, allowing visitors to experience this tremendous
diversity up close. While portions of the trail cross elevated boardwalks, visitors should
be prepared for wet and muddy trails at most times of the year. Portions of the trail
follow along Stop-the-Jade Run, a tributary stream of the Rancocas River. Birds include
Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky and Hooded Warblers, White-eyed Vireo, and many
others. This is a holding of the NJ Conservation Foundation. 56 B7
Franklin Parker Preserve, (Woodland Twp, Burlington County) This 9400 acre preserve
is one of the newest of the NJ Conservation Foundation holdings. This preserve has
about 5,000 acres of wetlands and 4,400 acres of contiguous upland pine oak forest
including 14 tributaries that cross the preserve eventually uniting in the Wading River. It
lies near Chatsworth, which is at the junction of CR 563 and CR 532. The Chatsworth
Lake entrance is 0.7 miles west of Chatsworth on CR 532. The entrance is a sand road
on the left, just after Chatsworth Lake on the right. The Speedwell Entrance is 2.9 miles
south of Chatsworth on CR 563. (Avoid the private drive just past the entrance). 56 I14
Hawkin Road and Bear Swamp at Red Lion (Southampton Twp, Burlington
County) From US 206 and NJ 70 (Red Lion Circle) follow US 206 south for about 2
miles and turn right on Hawkin Rd at the traffic light. In about one mile Bear Swamp will
be on your right. A power line cut gives access to part of the site. Other areas further
west may be birded from the road or from trails leading north of Hawkin Rd. Avoid
private property. Prothonotary, Kentucky, and Hooded Warblers nest here. This is a
holding of the NJ Natural Lands Trust with a total of 989 acres. 56 E1
Historic Smithville Park (Eastampton Twp, Burlington County). Access is from
Smithville Rd (CR 684). There are numerous access roads off Smithville Rd, beginning
about a 1/2 mile north of NJ 38. The intersection with NJ 38 is about 3 miles east of CR
541 (Mt Holly Bypass) and 1 mile west of US 206. There is a traffic light and Park signs
on NJ 38. The 312 acre park includes 22 acre Smithville Lake with a floating
boardwalk. There is canoe access to the north branch of Rancocas Creek, historic
buildings (including the Smith Mansion), adn 4.4 miles of hiking trails. A map is
available at the headquarters. 48 L2
Island Beach State Park (South Seaside Park, Ocean County) The park address is
Route 35 South, Seaside Park, New Jersey 08752. Phone (732) 793-0506. From the
eastern end of NJ 37, follow NJ 35 (Central Avenue) south about 2 miles to the park
entrance. There is an entry fee. This park is on a barrier island between the Atlantic
Ocean and Barnegat Bay. It contains 3,003 acres and ten miles of coastal dunes. The
habitat includes freshwater wetlands, maritime forest and tidal marshes in addition to
the dunes and thicket. Osprey colony, peregrine falcons, wading birds, shorebirds, and
migrating songbirds can be found here. The park opens at 8 am and there is a small fee
per vehicle for entry.
Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station; now part of McGuire Dix Lakehurst Joint Base
(Manchester and Jackson Twps, Ocean County) Lakehurst is know to birders for
breeding populations of Upland Sandpipers and other grassland birds. This area may
be accessed only by special arrangements and birders must comply with any current
security requirements. The entrance is off CR 547 (Lakehurst-Whitesville Rd) just north
of NJ 70 in the town of Lakehurst. 49 J28
Makepeace Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) (Hamilton Twp, Atlantic County)
The WMA borders County Road (CR)559 north of US 322. CR 559 crosses US 30
about 4 miles west of Egg Harbor City and crosses US 322 about the same distance
west of NJ 50. CR 559 is Weymouth-Elwood Road at US 322 and is Richards Avenue
at US 30. The WMA consists of 7,500 acres with a shallow 300 acre lake. There are no
facilities. Seasonally look for Forester and Gull-billed Terns at the lake and in the upland
habitat (typical Pine Barrens) look for King and Virginia Rails, Killdeer, Sandpipers
(Spotted, Solitary, Pectoral, Semipalmated, and Least). Usually you will see the
Common Snipe, Yellowlegs, Short-billed Dowitcher and Double-crested Cormorants. 64
K1
Michael Huber Prairie Warbler Preserve (Woodland Twp, Burlington County) This
1,227 acre NJ Conservation Foundation Preserve lies south of NJ 70 and NJ 72. It
borders Burr Mill Stream and the southern end is crossed by Sooy Place Rd. Its pitch
pine/scrub oak forests are prime breeding habitat for the Prairie Warbler. The preserve
contains the Four Mile Spring, a tributary of Rancocas Creek. One of the preserve's
most interesting features is a spung which is a hydrologically isolated wetland that relies
entirely on rain and snowfall to maintain its water level. Two routes to the Preserve are:
(1) From the junction of US 206 and NJ 70 (Red Lion Circle), take NJ 70 east for 3 miles
and turn right toward Sooy Place. Follow this road 4.3 miles to the preserve entrance
on the left. It is a narrow sand road; (2) From the junction of NJ 70 and NJ 72 (Four
Mile Circle), take NJ 72 east about 3.5 miles. Turn right on CR 563 south (sign will
indicate "Chatsworth"). After 1.4 miles turn right on Sooy Road. Proceed 3.2 miles to
entrance on the right. The parking area gives access to about 5 miles of hiking
trails. 56 F11
Mill Creek Park (Willingboro Twp, Burlington County) From US 130 and CR 626
(Beverly-Rancocas Rd) go east. Entrance is on the right in about 3/4 mile. From Exit
45B of I 295 the entrance is about 4 miles west on the left of CR 626. Woodland trails
provide fair birding spring and fall. Rancocas Creek and Mill Creek provide good
intertidal habitat. Look for waterfowl and perhaps Bald Eagle in winter. 47 J20
National Park Dredge Spoils at Red Bank Battlefield (National Park, Gloucester County)
This is located at 100 Hessian Ave, National Park, NJ 08063. From I 295 southbound,
use Exit 23. Make a right at the top of the ramp and follow CR 642 (Hessian Avenue) to
its end at the park. From I 295 northbound, use Exit 22 and follow CR 644 (Red Bank
Ave) west to Hessian Avenue, make a left, and proceed to the park. This 44 acre park
has walking paths, picnic facilities, and restrooms. At the overlook look for migrating
waterfowl. South of the park is a dredge spoil area that hosts many bird species. In
winter, look for roosting Long-Eared Owls, Tree Sparrows, Great and Double-crested
Cormorants, Common and Red-breasted Mergansers, Ruddy Ducks, Canvasbacks,
Common Loons and more. This is an Important Bird and Birding Area. 54 E3
NJ Audubon Rancocas Nature Center (Westampton, Burlington County) From I-295
Exit 451 go east on CR 626 Rancocas Road for 1.8 miles and look for the RNC sign on
the right. The Center includes 120 acres within Rancocas State Park. The visitor center
contains a book store, museum, and restrooms. Trails radiate into old fields, thickets, a
conifer plantation, upland and lowland forests, and to a fresh water tidal marsh along
Rancocas Creek. There is fair birding year round. Closed Mondays and holidays. Trail
guide and map are available in the visitor center. 47 K25
Old Pine Farm (Deptford Twp, Gloucester County This tract is surrounded on three
sides by the tidal freshwater of Big Timber Creek. The habitats here include grassland,
upland hardwood forest, maple swamp, and wetlands. Going south on NJ 41 (Delsea
Dr) about 1.5 miles from NJ 42 (North-South Freeway), go left (east) on CR 534 (Good
Intent Rd). In about 1/4 mile, turn left on Rankin Ave and go to its end. 54 I9
Palmyra Cove Nature Park (Palmyra, Burlington County) This park is off NJ 73
between US 130 and the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge. The park itself borders the Delaware
River just south of the bridge. Going North on NJ 73 watch for a jug-handle about a 1/2
mile north of the interchange with River Rd (CR 543). Use the jug-handle to make a left
from 73. Almost immediately make a right on the entrance road to the Nature
Park. Follow this around to the parking area near the headquarters building. There are
restrooms inside the building and picnic facilities. The park is under the jurisdiction of
the Burlington County Bridge Commission. 46 K12
Parvin State Park (Pittsgrove Twp, Salem County) The entrance is on CR 540
(Centerton-Norma Station Road) about 2 miles from the junction with CR 553
(Centerton-Elmer Road). From NJ 55 use Exit 32B to westbound NJ 56. In about 3/4
mile, turn right on CR 638 (Jesse Bridge Road/Gershel Avenue). In about a half mile,
turn left on CR 540. The park entrance is about 2 miles from the turn. There are 1,952
acres and a 4.6 mile loop trail leading through oak-pine upland, swamp hardwood
forest, pitch pine lowlands, stream flood plain, and Atlantic white cedar bog habitats.
The park is traversed by Muddy Run, which is dammed to form the 95 acre Parvin Lake.
Parvin is home to the state's threatened Barred Owl and the endangered Swamp Pink.
Restrooms are available. The park address is 701 Almond Road, Pittsgrove, NJ. Phone
(856) 358-8616.
Pedricktown Causeway (Logan Twp, Gloucester County The causeway allows good
views of the freshwater tidal marshes bordering Oldmans Creek and is especially
attractive during waterfowl migration. The views are dependent on tide levels; at low
tide, birds may be hidden by vegetation. High tides for Oldmans Creek may be 4 hours
behind Reedy Point and low tides about 3.5 hours behind. From Route I 295 Exit 10
(Center Square Road): Go west (a right turn if southbound on I 295) about 1 mile to
Pedricktown - Center Square Rd (CR 601). Make a left (south) and the Causeway will
be roughly 1 mile down. Parking is on the roadside just before the causeway. The
causeway itself is quite narrow and pedestrians should be very cautious. At times, the
bridge is closed and you can park on the causeway itself. Restrooms, food, and gas are
available at the WaWa just east of Exit 10 of I 295. 53 L19
Pennypacker and Greenwald Parks (Haddonfield and Cherry Hill, Camden County) In
Cherry Hill from the intersection of NJ 70 and NJ 41 (King's Highway) go east (towards
Haddonfield) on NJ 41 about 3/4 mile to a traffic light at Park Blvd. Turn right and look
for a parking lot on the left in about 1/4 mile. From the parking lot, trails are available
along the Cooper River on both sides with a side trail to Hopkins Pond. (The river is
generally the boundary between the two towns). Going back to King's Highway, turn
right, and look for Evans Mill Rd immediately on the left just across the bridge. This
gives access to Evans Pond. From Haddonfield at the intersection of NJ 41 and CR
561 (Haddon Ave), go west on NJ 41 about 3/4 mile to the traffic light at Park Blvd and
turn left to reach the parking area. Note: NJ 41 in this area is also marked as CR 573,
especially in Haddonfield. 54 C13
Piney Woods (Piney Hollow) Preserve (Franklin Twp, Gloucester County) This field site
features former cranberry bogs surrounded by typical Pine Barrens uplands and
scattered white cedar. The preserve includes 40 acres and McCarthy's Lake. Birds
found at this site have included Barred Owls, Whip-poor-wills, Wild Turkey, Pine and
Prairie Warblers, Scarlet Tanagers, and Eastern Towhee. This site is at the GloucesterAtlantic County border not far from the intersection of Route 40 at Brewster Rd, Piney
Hollow Rd, and Tuckerton Rd (Route 557). Follow Piney Hollow Rd north for 2.5
miles. A gravel parking lot is on the right. There are no facilities at this site.
Riverwinds Complex (West Deptford Twp, Gloucester County) 1000 Riverwinds Drive,
West Deptford, NJ 08086. This complex fronts on the Delaware River. From I 295
southbound, use Exit 21, make a right at the bottom of the ramp, and follow NJ 44
(Crown Point Road) a short distance to CR 534 (Delaware St). Make a left and in about
0.4 mile Delaware St crosses CR 643 (Grove St) and becomes Riverwinds Drive,
leading into Riverwinds Complex. Continue for another 0.3 mile and watch on the right
for a sign for the Scenic Trail. There is a small parking lot for the trail, which goes
through successional old fields, woods, and gives access to wetlands. Exiting from the
trail, make a right and follow the drive to an observation area on the river. There are
also ponds in the complex that host wintering waterfowl. There are public restrooms in
the Community Center Building. 54 F2
Supawna Meadows NWR (Pennsville, Salem County) (Provisional as it is not staffed at
this time). There are various access areas and which ones are used depend on the trip
leader. In general the refuge is off NJ 49, south of Pennsville. A good central location
is the intersection of CR 630 (Fort Mott Rd) and CR 632 (Lighthouse Rd). Old Fort Mott
Rd is a short diagonal connecting these roads near their intersection. One good area is
off Christmas Tree Lane, about a half mile north on Fort Mott Rd. It is a little obscure; if
you pass Industrial Park Road on the left, you've gone too far. Christmas Tree Lane
passes a number of private dwellings, and ends at a small parking area which gives
access to trails through wooded wetlands and ponds. Roughly a mile east on
Lighthouse Road is a parking area on the southside, which gives access to a wooded
trail leading to an observation platform. Also nearby is a road leading to the old
headquarters building at 197 Lighthouse Road, Pennsville, NJ. This road leads past a
lot of old field habitat and second growth forest. 60 G10
Taylor's Preserve (Cinnaminson Twp, Burlington County) This preserve consists of 100
acres on the Delaware River and is off River Road (CR 543) on Taylor's Lane. Taylor's
Lane is about 1 mile south of Chester Avenue and about 1 mile north of Union Landing
Road on River Road. It is also accessible going west from US 130 about 1.5 miles from
River Road. The intersection at US 130 is marked with a traffic light and signs, both
north and southbound on US 130. West of River Road, Taylor's Lane becomes
gravel. Continue to where it bears left past houses and fields to a small parking
area. The preserve is a good migrant trap. Contains woods, intertidal areas, freshwater
marshes and small streams. Respect private property in the area. 47 J15
Ted Stiles Preserve at Baldpate Mountain (Hopewell Twp, Mercer County). The
Preserve spans 1,800 acres of an east-west ridge between Fiddlers Creek Road and
Pleasant Valley Road north of Trenton. A parking lot for access is 0.3 miles east of NJ
29 on Fiddlers Creek Road. Fiddlers Creek Road is a little over a mile and a half north
of where County Road 546 crosses NJ 29 at Washington Crossing. Stop at the
restrooms on Route 29 before entering as facilities may or may not be open. There is a
network of trails as well as old logging roads up the mountain. As you make the 400 foot
climb on the road, look for a wide range of mountain birdlife including warblers,
swallows, woodpeckers, goldfinches, wood thrushes, wild turkeys and more.
Tuckahoe Wildlife Management Area (Estell Manor, Corbin City and Egg Harbor Twps
in Atlantic County and Upper Twp in Cape May County) This 13,871 acre Wildlife
Management Area is primarily tidal wetlands with freshwater impoundments and some
wooded areas. One entrance used by birders is Gibson's Creek Rd, leading off NJ 50
around 6-7 miles south of Mays Landing. This road gives access to a loop leading past
several impoundments which are good for waterfowl viewing in season. The loop
emerges again on NJ 50 about 1.5 miles south of the entrance. 70H1
Webbs Mill Bog (Lacey Township, Ocean County) is located on Route 539 near the 20
Mile Marker south of Route 70. A trail on the eastern side of Route 539 just past the
railings leads to a boardwalk. Signs along this boardwalk identify the wide array of
plants found only in bogs such as this. Photos of the bog and one of its plants are
shown next. On September 11, 2010 the part of the trail nearest the boardwalk was
filled with water and the water level was up to the edge of the boardwalk.
Wheelabrator Wildlife Refuge (Westville, Gloucester County) is adjacent to the site of a
large trash incinerator. From Exit 23 of I 295, take US 130 (Crown Point Rd) north
about 1 mile to a left turn into the incinerator site. This is a little south of a circle at the
junction of US 130 and NJ 45. About 0.3 mile from US 130 and just short of the
incinerator site is a parking lot for the refuge. This area has woods, overgrown fields
and wetlands. 54 E6
Whitesbog Preservation Trust (Pemberton Twp in Burlington County, Plumstead and
Manchester Twps in Ocean County) Entrance to this 3,000 acre field site is off CR 530
(Lakehurst Rd) near mile marker 13, then north on Whitesbogs Road. The entrance is
about 4.5 miles east of Browns Mills or 1 mile west of the junction of CR 530 and NJ
70. There are signs on CR 530. This is a historic townsite with many restored buildings
and is part of Brendan Byrne State Forest. An 8 mile auto tour route passes cranberry
bogs, wetlands, and upland forests. Many typical pine barrens plants can be seen in
season. Sometimes good for waterfowl, especially Tundra Swan in winter. Small
numbers of shorebirds stop by in late summer if reservoir water levels are low and Gullbilled Terns stop during migration. Village -- 49 N16
Winslow Fish and Wildlife Management Area (Monroe Twp, Gloucester County and
Winslow Twp, Camden County) This 7615 acre WMA lies along the Great Egg Harbor
River, which forms the boundary between the counties. One access point is off Piney
Hollow Rd on the eastern boundary of the WMA. Piney Hollow Rd intersects NJ 73 0.3
mile south of the Atlantic City Expressway interchange. There is a flashing light at
Piney Hollow Rd. Goihnd south there is a sign for the WMA at 1.8 miles. Just after this,
watch for the crossing of Great Egg Harbor River, and 0.1 mile further south is a dirt
road giving access to the WMA. This entrance is also about 1.3 miles north of the
intersection of Piney Hollow Rd and US 322 and is just beyond a large Winslow WMA
sign. The habitats here include mixed hardwoods, upland forest, grassy fields, and
swamp areas. There are no facilities in the WMA. 63 F21