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Mullica Township, Atlantic County
336 Acres
This preserve, assembled in five donated tracts, provides protection
to Atlantic white cedar forests associated with both the Brockaways
Branch and Nortons Branch of the Hammonton Creek. Years ago, portions
of the property had been logged for the valuable Atlantic white
cedar. Fortunately, these areas are growing back with vigor and
someday will again exhibit the cool, dark and damp forest type.
Exploring hikers can follow the cedar loggers old “corduroy
roads” constructed of cut saplings, branches laid perpendicular,
one sapling side–by-side next to the other. These improvised
trails placed in the wet areas helped keep equipment from sinking
into the deep muck of the bog. Botanists will find the cedar swamps
interesting too. Look for the unique and carnivorous pitcher plant
and sundew growing in the wetland. Uplands are also part of the
preserve. Patches of sheep-laurel and mountain laurel make for
brilliant spring blooms within a large pine/oak forest.
Public Access and Uses:
As a result of recent Green Acres land acquisitions, the NJ Division
of Fish and Wildlife has expanded its Hammonton Creek Wildlife
Management Area and now surrounds the Trust’s Pleasant Mills
Preserve. Visitors through the WMA now have better access to the
preserve, which is best obtained from Pleasant Mills Road. Since
the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife has a strong enforcement
presence at the Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area, the Trust
allows deer hunting at this preserve without the need for registration.
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