Heislerville Wildlife Management Area

Description: The varied habitats of this WMA include river and tidal marsh boundary, salt water impoundments, diked hay meadows, and oak-pine uplands. The Maurice River, designated Wild and Scenic, flows past the area to the Delaware Bay. Delaware Bay is the premier resting and feeding stop for hundreds of thousands of shorebirds during their spring migration. The shorebirds are attracted by eggs laid by the world's largest concentration of breeding horseshoe crabs. East Point Lighthouse, an old, scenic structure still in service, is maintained by the Maurice River Historical Society. It is located at the southern end of the WMA and is open for tours during local festivals during the year.. A driving tour of the area includes a route around the impoundments, past the tidal marsh, and through the woods on sand roads. For your own comfort, avoid the biting-fly season in mid-summer.

Viewing Information: Delaware Bay is an historically critical area for both human and natural activity. It is the largest oil transfer port on the East Coast; and a thoroughfare for thousands of vessels carrying essential goods to the ports of Camden, Wilmington, and Philadelphia. For the natural world, Delaware Bay is strategically located midway between the wintering grounds of South America and nesting grounds of the Arctic. Bay beaches and salt marshes provide feeding and resting areas for shorebird species such as sanderlings, red knots, ruddy turnstones and semipalmated sandpipers. Many of these birds make the four-day flight non-stop across the Atlantic. Moore's Beach is one of about 6 Bay beaches which plays host to a large portion of the Western Hemisphere's population of these species. All told, nearly a million shorebirds pour into Delaware Bay each spring from about May 13 to June 6.

Delaware Bay beaches are also essential for spawning horseshoe crabs. In May and June, thousands of horseshoe crabs crowd Moore's Beach to mate and lay their eggs. Horseshoe crabs are found from Maine to Florida, but nest in greatest numbers on sandy beaches of the lower Delaware Bay. The female, larger than the male, digs a hole in the sand at the water's edge and deposit thousands of green pinhead-sized eggs which are incubated by the sun and hatch in 4-6 weeks.

The thousands of shorebirds, that arrive shortly after the crabs start spawning, feast on the profusion of readily available eggs. Shorebirds gorge themselves on these eggs, doubling their arrival weight in about two weeks. It is estimated that the total pool of shorebirds moving through Delaware Bay each spring will consume over 300 tons of the tiny horseshoe crab eggs! This feast fuels the second leg of the shorebirds' journey to their Arctic nesting areas.

Bird-watchers can also see thousands of wintering waterfowl, bald eagles, and migrating shorebirds. Northern pintails, buffleheads, ruddy ducks, red-breasted and hooded mergansers, scaup, and scoters spend the winter here. Spring brings blue and green-winged teal, American widgeon, and gadwall. Scan the river and bay for loons and the impoundments for grebes.

In the spring and fall, the tidal mud flats are filled with migrating shorebirds. Horseshoe crabs spawn on nearby Moore's Beach and the area at East Point during May. The horseshoe crab eggs provide protein-rich food for red knots, ruddy turnstones, dunlin, semi-palmated sandpipers and the occasional curlew sandpiper that stop here as they travel to their Arctic breeding grounds. Don't miss the herons and egrets that roost on the hummocks in the impoundment to your right as you drive down Matts Landing Road toward the river. Rental boats and boat ramps are available along the Maurice River and a one-mile bike path is part of Cumberland County's bike trail system. For your own comfort, avoid visiting on calm days during the biting fly season.

Matts Landing

The impoundments at Matts Landing are one of the best places to see waterfowl, wading birds, and shorebirds. Check the open water near the spillways in winter to see foraging divers such as red-breasted mergansers, grebes, bufflehead and commorants. Wading birds also congregate here. Drive the dirt road that tops the dikes for good views of both the impoundments and salt marsh. Work the shrubs along the road for warblers and songbirds. Don't miss scanning the cedar hummocks in the first impoundment for snowy egrets and black-crowned night herons. Great blue and little green herons feed along the wooded edges.

East Point Lighthouse

East Point Light was built in 1849 by the United States Lighthouse Establishment to guide boats into the mouth of the Maurice River. Today, it is the second oldest lighthouse in existence in New Jersey. While decommissioned in 1941, the Coast Guard pressed East Point Light back into service in July of 1980 at the public's request. The Maurice River Historical Society rebuilt the lighthouse which had fallen into disrepair and now opens the lighthouse for tours during special events and local festivals during the year. East Point is one of the most photographed and easily recognized lighthouses on the east coast. It is also a great location from which to watch wildlife.

Don't miss the fall migration of butterflies and dragonflies. They hang off the cedar trees and high tide bush like living ornaments. While winter temperatures can be frigid here, take the time to wander the lighthouse grounds searching for winter sparrows. Be sure to scan the marsh for northern harriers, peregrine falcons and rough-legged hawks. In spring, the concentration of migrants is not to be missed. Warblers, thrushes, flickers, and sparrows feed and rest in the shrubs along the road and around the lighthouse and shorebirds feast on protein-rich horseshoe crab eggs on the beach. Diamondback terrapin come ashore in July to lay their eggs and this is one of the best spots to see the fall hawk migration in full swing.

Thompson's Beach

Share the observation platform at the end of the paved section of Thompson's Beach Rd. with a variety of gulls and terns for a good look at the vast expanse of restored tidal marsh. You can see thousands of acres of marsh from this elevated vantage point, one reason it is so popular with wildlife. Look for a variety of gulls and terns, northern harrier, peregrine falcon, osprey, herons, egrets, clapper rail, black and turkey vulture, bald eagles and black ducks. A small boat ramp provides access to tidal creeks and the Delaware Bay for those who prefer to see their wildlife from the water (not accessible during low tide). Those who are brave-hearted may choose to walk the mile of unmaintained road out to Thompson's Beach itself to view the rafts of wintering waterfowl or great concentration of shorebirds in the spring. The walk is wet and muddy and best undertaken at low tide.

Moore's Beach

The beauty of the salt marsh at Moore's Beach can be enjoyed in any season. In addition to the crabs and shorebirds in the spring, there is plenty to see at this interesting site year round. For a good look at life in a salt marsh, park at designated area at the berm, or dike, on the edge of the marsh and take a one-mile walk on the old road that leads through the marsh to the beach. Due to wash-outs caused by the rising water levels and changing tides, it is not recommended to drive any further than the parking area. If you choose to walk out, it is best to go on a falling tide.

Watch for northern harriers (marsh hawks), egrets, great blue herons, northern diamondback terrapins and marsh wrens. Viewing opportunities are particularly good from spring through fall. At low tide, clapper rails are easy to spot digging for invertebrates in the creeks. In winter, look for snow geese feeding in the marsh, and northern harriers and red-tailed hawks hovering in search of prey. The salt marshes and mudflats also hold black-bellied plovers, dunlin and thousands of dowitchers. In the summer look for egrets, glossy ibis, nesting seaside sparrows and willets. Even white pelicans and ruffs have been sighted here before! From the beach, look for scoters and other bay ducks in the winter and early spring.

An active peregrine falcon nesting tower maintained by the NJDEP/DFW can be seen to the west of the road. Although coastal marshes are not considered typical nesting habitat for peregrines, an abundant prey base and freedom from predation by great horned owls made Delaware Bay sites a good place to reintroduce this endangered species. The peregrine completely vanished from the eastern part of the US in the mid-1960s as a result of toxins like DDT in the food chain. Beginning in 1975, NJDEP/DFW biologists released young captive bred at this and other areas along the coast. Today about 20 pair of peregrines nest each year in New Jersey.

Heislerville WMA is open for hunting during prescribed seasons.

Directions: Matts Landing - from the southern end of New Jersey 55 and its intersection with NJ 47, travel 5.3 on NJ 47 south to Mackey's Lane. Turn right onto Mackey's Lane and proceed 0.3 miles to CR 616 (Dorchester-Heislerville Rd.) Turn left and travel 2.2 miles to Matts Landing Rd. Turn right and proceed .5 miles. The impoundments will be on either side.

Directions: East Point - turn left at the end of Matts Landing Rd. and proceed past the marinas to the dirt road on your left. Take the dirt road on the left along the top of the impoundments to follow the 8-mile Auto-trail. The dirt road ends at East Point Rd. Or, follow Matts Landing Rd. back to CR 616 (Main St.). Turn right on CR 616 and right again on East Point Rd. Take East Point Rd. to Lighthouse Ln.

Directions: Thompson's Beach - take East Point Rd. back into Heislerville. Continue straight as East Point Rd. becomes Glade Rd. at its junction with CR 616. Turn right onto Thompson's Beach Rd and follow to the small parking area at the end of the paved road.

Directions: Moore's Beach - take Thompson's Beach Rd. to Glade Rd. Turn right on Glade Rd. and go approximately 1 mile to Rt. 47. Take Rt. 47 south (right) to Moore's Beach Rd. Turn right on Moore's Beach Rd. and travel to gravel parking area at the end of the paved road.

Ownership: NJDEP - Division of Fish and Wildlife - 856-785-0455
Size: 4,876 acres
Closest Town: Heislerville, Maurice River Township

Amenities: parking, hiking, Heislerville WMA map

Belleplain State Forest

Description: Belleplain State Forest has miles of marked trails and unimproved roads suitable for hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and wildlife-watching. American holly trees and mountain laurel are found along the roadsides. Atlantic white cedar swamps dot the lowlands around the waterways. Lake Nummy is the center of recreational activities including camping. The nearby Nature Center offers regular programs.

Diversity Tour Information: Belleplain State Forest, lying within the Pinelands National Reserve, offers visitors tremendous opportunities to see the greatest variety of habitats anywhere in New Jersey including saltwater marsh, Atlantic white cedar swamp, mixed hardwood swamp and oak-hickory forest. In the spring and fall, migrating songbirds such as blue-winged warblers, scarlet tanagers, and prothonotary warblers make the forest sparkle.

Belleplain contains one of the only oak-hickory forests in south Jersey. The southern portion of the forest provides a beautiful illustration of this biotic community. Food and shelter for wildlife is abundant in oak-hickory forests. Acorns and hickory nuts offer much valuable nutrition and require only a small outlay of foraging energy. In the summer, oaks and hickories sprout from their stumps, placing succulent leaves within easy reach of browsing animals. When leaves fall, they decay slowly because of the tannin in their cells. This creates a thick batting of leaves for small rodents, reptiles, and amphibians, including spotted and marbled salamanders, five-lined skinks, eastern box turtles and red-backed vole - to tunnel in, find food in, and keep warm or cool in

Another good way to see the forest is to walk the 1.5 mile, self-guided trail around Lake Nummy or the 6.5 mile trail connecting Lake Nummy to East Creek Pond. Look for signs of white-tailed deer, red foxes, raccoons, Virginia opossums, red, gray, and flying squirrels, muskrats and beavers. Also look for Cooper's and broad-winged hawks, blue-gray gnatcatchers, red-eyed vireos, scarlet tanagers and several varieties of woodpeckers.

Elsewhere in Belleplain, biotic succession, a natural occurring event in a normal ecosystem, is being dramatically accelerated by gypsy moths. Gypsy moths, an introduced species, have infested south Jersey's forests off and on since the 1970s. However, most defoliation has not been so severe or as frequent as at Belleplain. The repeated defoliation of many white, red and black oaks has killed some trees. Forest managers have salvaged some of the dying oaks for use as firewood. Other dead trees are left standing to provide vertical habitat diversity in the forested ecosystem. Wildlife species use the cavities in these trees for nests, others feed off of the insects that live in and on the dead wood and still others use the trees as roosts or perches. Look for cavity dwellers like flying squirrels, raccoons, Virginia opossums, pileated and red-bellied woodpeckers, and tufted titmice.

The forests along the Belleplain - Woodbine Road (County Route 550) are a good place to view the dead and dying oak forests. Note the massive amounts of regrowth in the understory of white pines, red cedars and maples. These early successional tree species are shade intolerant and would not have been able to grow here if it were not for the oaks dying. More shade tolerant hardwood species will eventually replace this new community of sun-loving species. These "seres", or stages, are all part of a predictable pattern of succession. An equally predictable group of wildlife species can be expected to appear with each sere.

Maps and trail guides are available at the office. The area is open for hunting during prescribed seasons.

Directions: From Route 9 in Oceanview, take County Route 550 west for about 8 miles to state forest office, following Belleplain State Forest signs.

Ownership: NJDEP Division of Parks and Forestry - 609-861-2404
Size: 21,320 acres
Closest Town: Woodbine

Amenities: parking, restrooms, barrier-free, picnic, camping, hiking, bicycling, horse trails, entry fee (seasonal)

Tuckahoe Wildlife Management Area

Description: The scenic Tuckahoe River winds its way to the Great Egg Harbor River and Bay through an expanse of salt marsh and tidal creeks which is excellent for bird-watching. Six brackish water impoundments on the upland edges of the tract also provide good bird-watching opportunities. Located on the edge of the Pine Barrens, the woodlands bordering the salt marsh are a mixture of pine and oak trees. A hardwood swamp and small freshwater lake provide additional habitat for beaver, turtles, frogs and fish.

Diversity Tour Information: The Corbin City area offers an 8-mile drive on a sand and gravel road that runs between three large impoundments and the salt marsh and ends by going through a stretch of pine-oak forest. A short detour takes you through a series of small fields divided by hedgerows, a great place to see chipping sparrows, American goldfinches, pine warblers, and indigo buntings. You can drive the entire route, or use the pull-outs for a chance to walk the sand trails and look out over the impoundments and salt marsh. The Tuckahoe side of the river offers a similar opportunity to view wildlife along the road around the impoundments. This road runs directly through a number of small fields and a hardwood swamp and is bisected by a powerline. Listen and look for yellow-billed cuckoos, prothonotary warblers, common yellowthroats, marsh wrens, Carolina wrens, and northern flickers in the scrub-shrub and woodlands along the road. Scan the marsh and the impoundments for waders, shorebirds and waterfowl.

Facing the salt marsh, look for wildlife activity at the "ecotone," or edge, formed between the marsh and adjacent tidal creek. One key to wildlife activity in the ecotone is the abundant supply of food that arrives twice daily on the rising tide. The tall salt marsh cordgrass along the creeks' banks provide shelter for wary birds, like rails searching the exposed mud for invertebrates. Sora, black, clapper, and Virginia rails are all present here. Perhaps you will also see an otter swimming the tidal creeks in search of fish.

During spring and fall migrations, scan the exposed mudflats of the tidal creeks and impoundments at low tide. Shorebirds like sandpipers, plovers, and yellowlegs probe the mud for invertebrates. Muskrats, willets, egrets, and herons can be seen year-round. American bitterns and mink are present but elusive. Bald eagles nest nearby and are sometimes seen fishing over, or resting near, the impoundments. Waterfowl such as hooded mergansers, blue and green-winged teal, northern pintails, gadwalls, and American widgeons congregate on the impoundments during migration. Winter also brings the opportunity to see golden eagles and rough-legged hawks.

A growing problem throughout the world is the invasion of natural ecosystems by non-native plant and animal species referred to as "exotics". The beautiful mute swans seen in the impoundments are a good example of invasion by a non-native species. Mute swans are not native to this ecosystem, or even to North America. Although beautiful, the swans have a negative impact on native ducks and geese by competing aggressively for nesting territory. If the swans were not present, more species of nesting waterfowl would most likely be seen. Exotics represent a serious threat to biodiversity by competing with native species for food, water, and space. In some instances, exotics have caused species to become endangered.

The impoundments at Corbin City and Tuckahoe were created in the late 1940s and early 1950s to attract a greater diversity and abundance of wildlife than would normally be found on the same acreage of salt marsh. The impoundments are an example of the wildlife habitat creation and management that is carried out by the NJDEP/DFW on Wildlife Management Areas like this one throughout the state. Sluice gates on these impoundments hold back the fresh water that drains into them and allows salt water from the tidal creeks to enter as the tide rises. As the tide falls, water flows out of the impoundment into the tidal creeks.

Fluctuating water levels provide ideal feeding conditions for migrating and resident shorebirds and marsh birds; and allows the growth of vegetation which provides better food for waterfowl. Today, NJDEP/DFW biologists are doing experimental water level management in one impoundment. This effort is intended to help establish a new aquatic plant community that will provide important new food sources for migratory waterfowl and will also maximize feeding habitat for migrating shorebirds by increasing mudflat exposure times.

Tuckahoe WMA is a natural area with no facilities. It is open for hunting during prescribed seasons.

Directions: From the junction of U. S. Highway 9 and New Jersey 50 in Seaville, take NJ 50 north for 4.8 miles to County Route 631. Turn right and travel 0.3 miles to WMA entrance on the left. Turn left onto the sand and gravel road and travel 0.5 miles to the office on the right. Stop at the office for information and maps. To go to Corbin City, continue north on NJ 50 for 3.0 miles to Griscom Mill Road. Turn right. The road turns to sand and gravel and continues for 8.0 miles past the impoundments before it intersects again with NJ 50 as Gibson Creek Road.

Ownership: NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife - 609-628-2436 Size: 14,713 acres Closest Towns: Tuckahoe and Corbin City

Amenities: parking, boat ramp, large boats, small boats, hiking, Tuckahoe WMA map

Cape May Point State Park

Description: Cape May Point State Park includes a 157-foot tall lighthouse which dominates the park and serves as a contemporary reminder of New Jersey's maritime heritage. Nearby, an observation platform, known as the "Hawk Watch" area, provides excellent views of a freshwater pond, marsh and migrating hawks in the fall. A large portion of the park is a designated Natural Area and has over three miles of trails and boardwalks for nature study and hiking. There is easy access to the observation platform, trails and beach from the parking lot. A half-mile, self-guided nature trail is barrier-free. Visit the museum, visitor center and environmental education center for a glimpse into the natural history of the area.

Diversity Tour Information: The "Hawk Watch" observation platform provides a bird's eye view of one of the nation's most extraordinary autumn hawk migrations. Beginning in September and extending through December, tens of thousands of raptors, including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, ospreys, goshawks, Cooper's hawks, and various species of owls pass the platform on the 'Point'. New Jersey Audubon's Cape May Bird Observatory volunteers and staff provide informative programs for visitors throughout the fall.

The Cape May peninsula has become world renowned for its importance to migratory birds. The peninsula acts as a funnel for song birds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and hawks migrating along the Atlantic Flyway. Undeveloped habitats on Cape May are critical 'staging areas' providing important resting and feeding opportunities for migrating birds as they prepare for their arduous journey across the Delaware Bay. The shrubs, trees, and weeds are virtually alive with songbirds gleaning insects, seeds, and fruits to fuel their migration. Hawks perform aerial acrobatics pursuing those same songbirds that will fuel their migration. This scenario is repeated thousands of times everywhere on the Cape where housing and commercial development has not replaced natural habitats.

A short drive to Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area rewards visitors with glimpses of hundreds of species of migrating songbirds and hawks. Higbee Beach is managed specifically to provide habitat for migratory wildlife. At Higbee Beach you will see that birds are not the only migrants to pass through Cape May. Butterflies, particularly monarchs, dragonflies, and damselflies fill the sky with brilliant colors on their way south. Migrating dragonflies and butterflies also use the peninsula as a resting area.

The William D. and Jane C. Blair, Jr. Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge, owned by The Nature Conservancy, is just a short drive from Cape May Point State Park. A major restoration project was recently completed. The refuge provides a haven for two state endangered species: the least tern and the piping plover. These birds spend their winters from South Carolina to South America. New Jersey's beaches comprise a significant portion of the entire breeding population's nesting habitat. Therefore, the fate of least terns and piping plovers in New Jersey has worldwide significance. Piping plovers and least terns nest on sand beaches, dunes, or occasionally on sandy gravel or dredge spoil. Their nests are shallow depressions in the sand, frequently lined with clam shell fragments. The nests and chicks are well camouflaged and difficult to see.

Directions: From Cape May, take County Route 606 (Sunset Boulevard) west toward Cape May Point. Turn left (south) on Lighthouse Ave. Follow the signs to the State Park entrance on your left.

Ownership: NJDEP Division of Parks and Forestry - 609-884-2159
Size: 235 acres
Closest Towns: Cape May Point, Cape May

Amenities: parking, restrooms, barrier-free, picnic, hiking