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Preserves, Birding & Wildlife Watching
South Jersey's nature preserves are an oasis for birds, wildlife . . . and people, too!



Items within Preserves, Birding & Wildlife Watching
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Abbots Meadow Wildlife Management Area
For fans of the rugged outdoors, Abbotts Meadow Wildlife Management Area is one of the region's secret treasures. With approximately 1,000 acres of rustic, forested wetlands, Abbotts Meadow is prime hunting and fishing territory. And with hundreds of species of birds and waterfowl, it is also a popular spot for birders, especially during migration season.
 
Baldpate Mountain
Hiking boots are de riguer on Baldpate Mountain. At 400-feet, it isn’t the biggest mountain around, but some sections of its 12 miles of trails can present a real challenge for hikers, walkers or horseback riding. Not all the pathways are difficult though so if you are a novice walker or hiker, you can find easier trails that won’t send you scurrying back to your lounge chair.
 
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest
Pick a day. Any day. No matter when you visit, you can enjoy the great outdoors at Brendan Byre State Forest. Formerly known as Lebanon State Park, the Forest provides 36,647 acres of pine forests, camping, picnicking, historic sites, fishing, cross-country skiing and other activities for year-round fun. Among its many trails are segments of the famed Batona Trail, which links to the Wharton and Bass River State Forests.
 
Cape May Bird Observatory Northwood Center
Just like real estate, when it comes to birding it is all about location, location, location. Right next to Lily Lake, the Cape May Bird Observatory Northwood Center's location on the migratory flight path makes it one of the best locations in the U.S. for birding. Join in daily walks, special events, workshops and other activities that will have you adding dozens of rare and unusual species to your lifetime bird list.
 
Cape May National Wildlife Refuge-Two Mile Beach Unit
Humans aren’t the only ones who appreciate Two Mile Beach, a 507-acre section of the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge. Thousands of birds stop over the Delaware Bay refuge on their way to and from Central and South America during migration. More than 317 bird species drop in or nest here, along with 42 mammal species, 55 reptile and amphibian species, and more fish and shellfish than we can count.
 
Corson’s Inlet State Park
Corson’s Inlet State Park combines ecotourism with year-round outdoor recreation.
The 341-acre Park features a variety of habitats, such as sand dunes, marine estuaries and upland areas.
 
Delaware Bayshores Birding and Wildlife Trails
 
Eldora Nature Preserve
Even little critters deserve protection which is the purpose of the Eldora Preserve -- to protect some rare species of moths. But there are lots of other creatures here that you’ll want to watch out for, too. Follow the trails that wind through the marshes and you’ll spot various kinds of songbirds, hawks, and butterflies. And it is all packed into just 250 acres.
 
Elsinboro Neck
Elsinboro Neck is a tucked away beach with fanastic views of the Delaware Bay and nature trails that should not be missed! During the fall, Elsinboro offers a great place to watch birds migrate to warmer climates.
 
Evert Trail Preserve
Evert Trail Preserve is the best of both worlds -- part of it sits on the inner coastal plains, part of it sits on the outer coastal plains. For nature lovers, this means you get to see the wildlife and vegetation from both environments.  The Preserve's forested wetlands are home to more species of warblers, vireos and other songbirds than anywhere on the Jersey coastal plains, making it one of the most popular areas for birding.
 
Four Mile Springs Preserve
Once a happy hunting ground, Four Mile Springs Preserve was saved from development and is now 1,227 acres of natural, blissful outdoors. There are five miles of sandy roads and footpaths chiseled out of the Atlantic White Cedar forests for hiking, biking and, if you happen to own one, horseback riding.
 
Franklin Parker Preserve
Drive the sandy roads that run along the Wading River, go past the pitch pine forests and blueberry fields and you’ll find the Franklin Parker Preserve, 14 square miles of ecological treasures. With about 5,000 acres of wetlands and another 4,000 that are upland pine oak forest, the cranberry bog-turned-preserve is a haven for a number of endangered species -- and the people who love them.  
 
Gloucester County Nature Club
They’ve been around since 1949 and although they've been at it for almost 60 years, the members, who come in all ages, keep coming up with new and interesting ways to explore, learn about and protect the region’s natural resources. With a calendar packed with field trips, special events, programs, and other activities, it’s no wonder the Gloucester County Nature Club has been around so long.
 
Great Egg Harbor National Wild & Scenic & River
It starts as a trickle near Berlin, but along its 129 mile trek, the Great Egg Harbor River gradually widens and is joined by  17 tributaries on its way to Great Egg Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. Most of the River cuts through the Pinelands National Reserve. For paddlers, it's a favorite spot for canoeing and kayaking. Each year, striped bass and alewife herring spawn in the tributaries also making it a great spot for fishing. 
 
Harold N. Peek Preserve
If you are a newcomer to hiking, birding or just appreciating nature, the Harold N. Peek Preserve is a good place to start. It's also a good place to head if you are an experienced naturalist. The Preserves' 256-acres are threaded with three trails that will lead you past cedar and hardwood swamps, Pine Barrens, and one of the largest wild rice marshes in New Jersey. The birding is exceptional and as for wildlife, you don’t even have to try hard to see it.
 
Herrontown Woods Arboretum
Go find your hiking boots or other rubber-soled waterproof shoes, get your binoculars and explore the 142-acre Herrontown Woods Arboretum. More than 30 species of trees, shrubs and wildflowers line the nature trails that wind through the woods and over a shallow creek. The trails slope gently and gradually so they aren't too difficult and when they are dry, some trail sections can accommodate wheelchairs.
 
Jay Pratt Azalea Gardens
Don’t blink or you’ll miss it. The Jay Pratt Azalea Garden is only in bloom between mid-April and June. But for those few weeks, azalea lovers will be dazzled by the eye-popping gardens, drenched in the colors of more 400 varieties of azaleas than Jay Pratt himself can count.  The garden is located on 4-5 acres of private grounds.
 
Lewis W. Barton Arboretum and Nature Center
If it is low-key you want, it is low-key you'll get at the Lewis Barton Arboretum and Nature Preserve. Part of the rolling grounds of Medford Leas Continuing Care Community, the 168-acre grounds are open to the public so that non-residents can also enjoy the trails, woodlands, meadows and carefully manicured gardens.
 
Long Bridge Park
Right along the Rancocas Creek, Long Bridge Park has a little of everything that goes into making a great park . . . forested areas, pond, wetlands, meadows, marshland and lots of space for families to play. You can hike along four trails that wind 2.5 miles past fishing spots, picnic tables and pavilions, playground and nature areas.
 
Mad Horse Creek Wildlife Management Area
Keep going down the private road, go past the farmlands and you’ll get to the wetlands and wide open spaces of Mad Horse Creek Wildlife Management Area. Load your boat in at the boat ramp and go deeper into the marshes and wetlands to get a closer look at the birds, wildlife and foliage. Or drop your line for an afternoon of fishing. Don't worry, they didn't forget you Landlubbers out there. Mad Horse also has plenty of biking and hiking trails.
 

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