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Montaque Township, Sussex County
264 Acres
The Reinhardt Preserve was the very first property donated to
the Trust in 1973. Acquired initially by the Nearpass family in
the early 1800s, it was inherited by Goyn Reinhardt from his wife’s
estate. Goyn, who visited this property daily to cut firewood
and tend to other chores, felt strongly that the old farm never
be developed. Eventually, Goyn would come to donate the property
to the Trust for the perpetual preservation of the forest, waters
and wildlife. With Goyn's help, the Trust extended protection
to neighboring properties including two donated conservation easements.
Adjoining High Point State Park, the preserve’s wide vistas
of forested hills and open valley will remain. Speeding motorists
might not take notice of the old limestone kiln, opposite Reinhardt
Road. In the old times, the fired kiln “cooked” limestone
rock quarried from the hillside by Goyn and his family. The resulting
powered limestone would be spread to “sweeten the soil”
of the farmland.
Oak, maple, hickory and hemlock are representative of the unbroken
forest. Springtime songs of the ovenbird and wood thrush are heard
along the small rocky stream. Come summer the ripened blueberries
and blackberries are sought after by black bears and wild turkey.
In fall ruffed grouse may be heard drumming its wings from atop
a fallen log. Deep snows of winter bring a cold silence.
Public Access and Uses:
The best access is along Reinhardt Road or Clove Road, though
parking is limited. No hiking trails or facilities are available.
With their assistance, the property is posted with New Jersey
State Park signs as well as NJ Natural Lands Trust preserve signs.
Hunting is not permitted on this preserve.
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