The Great Swamp
*Photos by Katherine Massopust

New Jersey is blessed with having a beautiful seashore in a multitude of towns. We also have the Pine Barrens which go through 7 counties in New Jersey. New Jersey has all 4 seasons and many beautiful state parks. 

This past March I lost my dad. He always loved nature and I’d like to share some of his favorite places to visit. Due to the pandemic, there may be limited hours. Be sure to check if they are open if you plan to go.

1.) The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, New Vernon, NJ – 973-425-1222. The Great Swamp is open from Sunrise to Sunset. Home to many varieties of birds, snakes, frogs, and insects etc. There are different trails. It’s a great quiet place to relax and take in nature. There’s beautiful colors there in the fall.

2.) Cheesequake State Park, 300 Gordon Rd., Matawan, NJ 07747 – 732-566-2161 – A nice place to hike and enjoy.

3.) New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve, 15 Springfield Rd, New Lisbon, NJ 08064 – 609-894-7300 – One of my dad’s favorites – home to the curly grass!

4.) Nature Center of Cape May, 1600 Delaware, Cape May, NJ 08204 – 609-427-3045 – The center features an observation tower and trails. The center is home to many varieties of birds, butterflies, etc.

5.) Sunset Beach, 502 Sunset Blvd., Cape May Point, NJ 08212 – 1-800-757-6468 – Every evening in the summer (only on Saturdays in September) there is a flag ceremony honoring a Veteran. There is also a great gift shop.

There are many more hidden treasures of nature in New Jersey. Just Google them! Enjoy! Katherine M.

Sunset Beach, Cape May