If you have never been to the Pine Barrens, you don't have to go alone.
Unless you plan to meet the Jersey Devil, you can join South Jersey Land and Water Trust staff member Michael Hogan for a special guided tour to see the Pine Barrens early summer wildflowers at the New Jersey Conservation Foundation's Franklin Parker Preserve in Chatsworth, Burlington County, on Saturday, June 19 at 11:00 a.m.
The 9,400 acre Franklin Parker Preserve is a former cranberry/blueberry farm located in the heart of the New Jersey Pine Barrens. It contains many sand roads and trails that wind through pitch pine forests, cedar swamps, streams, ponds, and former blueberry fields and cranberry bogs. It contains habitat for more than 50 rare, threatened and endangered species including native orchids and a pair of nesting bald eagles. It is also a premier birding location and many species of migratory songs birds and raptors pass through and nest in the preserve.
Expect to hike about 3-4 miles.
Michael Hogan will explore the middle of the preserve, west of Rt. 563, including the ongoing Atlantic white cedar restoration. You will be able to view the many early summer blooming flowers including sundews, bladderworts, rose pogonia orchid and the rare bog asphodel.
There should be many Pine Barrens warblers and other migratory song birds to view.
The trip will include a one-hour lunch break, so pack some food. The trail may be wet, so wear appropriate foot ware.
Bring insect repellant, camera and binoculars.
The hike is free for SJLWT members and $3,00 for non-members. RSVP is asked.
For more information, directions and a map, contact Michael Hogan at 609-476-2086 or hoganphoto@verizon.net.
