Gandy's Beach Preserve | The Nature Conservancy

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New Jersey

Gandy’s Beach Preserve

A top shorebird site within the migratory crossroads of the Delaware Bay.

Gandy's Beach Preserve © Damon Noe

About
Visit
Your Comments

Semi-palmated plover © Damon Noe

Open to the Public

Yes

Why You Should Visit
Hundreds of thousands of ruddy turnstones (Arenaria interpres), red knots (Calidris canutus), semipalmated sandpipers (Calidris pusilla) and sanderlings (Calidris alba) blanket the shores of the Delaware Bay and nearby salt marshes each spring. They arrive here to refuel and rejuvenate on horseshoe crab eggs and other invertebrates as they continue on their journey from South America to nesting grounds in northern Canada. A top shorebird site within the extraordinary migratory crossroads of the Delaware Bay, the preserve's extensive marshes also protect the are from the impacts of storms.

Location
Downe Township, Cumberland County

Acres Protected
2,485

Established
1995

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Visitation Guidelines

Please limit fishing and walking along the beach during shorebird migration season (mid-May through June)
Littering and dumping are prohibited
No collecting or trapping
Motorized vehicles are prohibited
No swimming, camping, fires or alcoholic beverages

The preserve is open from dawn to dusk. During the shorebird migration in May and June, the beach is closed; birding enthusiasts can view the spectacular natural phenomenon from a kiosk overlooking the water. For more information, please contact the New Jersey Chapter's Delaware Bayshores Office at (609) 861-0600.

Things To Do

During the shorebird migration in May and June, the beach is closed; birding enthusiasts can view the spectacular natural phenomenon from a kiosk overlooking the water.

Plants
The preserve harbors several state-rate plants, including upright bindweed (Convolvulus spithamaeus), coast bedstraw (Galium hispidulum) and bristling panic grass (Panicum aciculare).

Animals
State-endangered raptors, including northern harriers (Circus cyaneus) and peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus), and threatened wintering Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) use the land.

Plan Your Visit

For more information, please contact the New Jersey Chapter’s Delaware Bayshores Office at (609) 861-0600.

Directions

Click here to view directions to Gandy's Beach

Discussion

Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.

Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

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