The Nature Conservancy celebrates opening of the Forked River Mountain Preserve Interpretive Trail

Event will raise awareness about recreational opportunities in Ocean County

Whitesbog, NJ—May 4, 2004—The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey is holding an event to announce the official opening of its 1.6 mile long Forked River Mountain Preserve interpretive trail located in Ocean County. The event, to be held May 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. at Wells Mills County Park, will feature a dedication ceremony by Conservancy staff and a guided hike of the trail.

The Forked River Mountain Preserve interpretive trail meanders through the pitch pine forests and hardwood swamps that comprise the Conservancy’s 1,744-acre nature preserve. Wooden boardwalks built by Conservancy volunteers and students from Southern Regional High School help hikers traverse the wetlands along this trail. An interpretive guide brings the landscape to life explaining history, fire, and ecology at eleven numbered stops along the way.

Grants awarded under the National Recreational Trails Funding Act and by the OceanFirst Foundation of Toms River helped make this trail a reality, improving access to this remote and wild region for Ocean County residents and Pine Barrens enthusiasts. Students from Lacey Township High School used the trail as an outdoor classroom during a summer program last year. They spent time along the trail studying soil acidity, measuring depth of the water table and learning how forested uplands protect water quality.

Forty-eight volunteers spent more than 250 hours clearing brush, carrying in materials, constructing boardwalks, and building an observation platform. “The time and effort that volunteers and students put into this project is truly amazing,” said Rebecca Free, outreach coordinator, The Nature Conservancy’s Pine Barrens Program. “They worked in rough conditions including hot weather, rain, wind, ticks—you name it,” she said.

Forked River Mountain Preserve is home to a variety of threatened plant and animal species. A variety of state-rare species have been recorded on the property including pine-barren gentian. State-rare curly grass fern and globally rare Kniesekern’s beaked rush have been found near the preserve, as well. Established with a generous gift from the Stephan Leone family, the preserve helps form an impressive greenway linking two state wildlife management areas.