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Stafford Township, Ocean County
265 acres
The cranberry bogs and Atlantic white cedar forests along the
East Branch of the Wading River have been part of a working pinelands
landscape for decades. Owned for generations by the Cervetto family,
the area now known as Warren Grove Bogs Preserve will provide
protected habitat for rare and endangered plants and animals.
With help from beavers, the abandoned cranberry bogs have reverted
into a diverse and productive habitat of shallow water and lush
emergent vegetation offering food and cover for migratory waterfowl.
The evening calling of Pine Barrens tree frogs may be heard from
within the young stands of Atlantic white cedars. Remote parts
of the Preserve support more mature stands of cedar. Onsite portions
of the Little Plains Natural Heritage Priority site are classified
as a Dwarf Pitch Pine natural vegetation community type. These
areas are suitable habitat for pine snake and timber rattlesnake.
Donated to the Trust by Route 539 LLC as part of a NJDEP Land
Use permit, the scenic property will link other conservation lands
including Bass River State Park, Warren Grove Recreation Area
and Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area.
Public Access and Uses:
The property has extensive frontage on Route 539, north of the
village of Warren Grove, Ocean County. Sand roads and dikes provide
foot trails for hikers. The Trust allows registration for deer hunting at this preserve.
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