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Preserves, Birding & Wildlife Watching

South Jersey's nature preserves are an oasis for birds, wildlife . . . and people, too!

Hear that? Birds chirping . . . breezes shaking the leaves on the trees . . . a small animal scurrying through the underbrush. That’s what real peace and quiet sounds like. And don’t think you have to go far to find it. Many are conveniently located near thriving communities making it easy to discover South Jersey’s natural wonders.

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SPOTLIGHT

Oswego River Preserve

A favorite destination for kayakers and canoeists, the Oswego River is a key artery that winds through diverse and varied Pine Barrens landscapes. Comprising the headwaters of this stunning river, the preserve is home to streamside corridors of wetlands dominated by pitch pine forests, cedar and hardwood swamps, and pine barren savannas.

Pinelands Adventures

The best way to get to know the Pinelands is to get out there and explore them and the Pinelands Preservation Alliance’s Adventure programs have lots of ways for you to do just that. Trek deep into the wilderness, paddle the Pinelands rivers, learn survival skills or if you dare, if you think you have what it takes, dare to hunt for the mysterious Jersey Devil.

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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.

Alloway Creek Watershed Wetland Restoration Site

Anytime a natural resource makes a comeback it is cause for celebration. Alloway Creek, managed by PSEG, is returning to its natural state as more and more natural wetlands plants abound. Which also means there is more and more wildlife to be found here. Follow the two trails that wind through the wetlands and head to the observation deck for some great birding and wildlife watching.

Amico Island Park

Amico Island is 55-acre peninsula with diverse habitats and terrain -- enjoy biking, hiking, fishing & picnciking. It is in a rustic natural setting at the confluence of the Rancocas Creek & Delaware River. Visitors may see red fox, cottontail rabbits, red-tailed hawks and great white herons.

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.

Bear Creek Preserve

Dozens of species of birds and wildlife flock to the Bear Creek Preserve, 100 acres of wetlands located right at the point where Bear Creek flows into the Mullica River. And this part of the Mullica is close enough to the ocean that the brackish waters here have the best of both worlds – fresh water and seawater critters.

Even if you don’t know a woodpecker from a whippoorwill, you can join in the annual BirdQuest events in Burlington and Gloucester counties in celebration of International Migration Day. Round up a team of adventurers and lift your binoculars towards the skies as your group competes to see who can spot the most species of birds in a 5 hour period. Although there are prizes at the end of the day, most do it for the fun and of course, bragging rights.

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.

Camp Crockett County Park

Nestled along the shores of Avis Mill Pond, Camp Crockett County Park is an oasis of outdoor fun. The former YMCA camp is now a lively park with waters ideal for canoeing or kayaking, picnic groves, and playground areas for the kids.

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.

Cape May Point State Park

Best known as the site of Cape May Lighthouse, Cape May Point State Park's changing shore line, dunes, pond and freshwater coastal marsh have made the area a favorite place to see the fall bird migration. The natural area includes several blazed trails where wildlife can be seen from observation platforms. Don't forget to check out the Cape May Lighthouse. Still a navigational aid open to the public, visitors who climb the steps to the top are rewarded with a view of the Cape May Penin

Cape May Whale Watch

One of nature’s most majestic sights is a whale soaring out of the ocean, breaching and then returning to its watery home. Want to see it? Board the 110 ft., Coast Guard approved Cape May Whale Watch and venture out into the deep waters for a closer look at whales, dolphins, porpoises and other sea life. Choose from a 2 hour Dolphin watch or a 3 hour Whale/Dolphin watch. And if you get out there and you don't see anything, you'll get a coupon for another trip.

The Cohanzick Zoo is proof that good things do come in small packages. This little jewel of a zoo sits in the middle of Bridgeton City Park, surrounded by trails and woods and a lake. But despite its relatively small size – there are about 100 animals from Africa, Asia and the U.S. and a walk-through aviary where you can get thisclose to dozens of feathered friends. Best of all, admission is free.

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.

Crystal Lake Park

There are lots of surprises hidden in the 338-acre Crystal Lake Park such as upland forests, fields and wetlands and plant species that are rarely found in this section of New Jersey. Bring your binoculars so that as you hike the winding trails, you can spot the resident birds -- eagles, osprey, herons, egrets and other winged water birds.

Delaware Bayshores Birding and Wildlife Trails

Dennis Creek Wildlife Management Area

The Dennis Creek WMA covers most of the marsh area west of Route 47 and the areas north and south of Dennis Creek in Cape May County. This WMA exemplifies New Jersey's finest salt marshes, but also encompasses tidal wetlands and a few fields and forested areas. The WMA aims to preserve the abundance and availability of the tidal food web for fish, shellfish, and local wildlife. Species native to the area include black ducks, snow geese, teal, shorebirds, deer, woodcock, and marine fish.

Double Trouble State Park

There’s double the fun awaiting you at Double Trouble State Park. Part historic site (many of the buildings from its 19th century roots as a cranberry production center are still preserved) and part natural playground (its 7,800 acres include trails, bogs, swamps, and Cedar Lake for fishing and boating), means you’ll want to spend twice as long exploring every nook and cranny.

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.

Elmer Lake Wildlife Management Area

Have your hiking boots? Fishing rods? Hunting equipment? Binoculars? That’s pretty much all you’ll need to enjoy a day at Elmer Lake Wildlife Management Area. With 279 acres of rustic wetlands, lake area and forests, the WMA is rich in flora, fauna and wildlife. Hike the trails or load your boat into the 45 acre Elmer Lake and spend a lazy afternoon fishing or watching birds up close and personal.

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This website and the forevergreen South Jersey Ecotourism Marketing Initiative has been made possible through the generous support of:

The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation

The William Penn Foundation

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