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Oswego River Preserve


Dock at Oswego River © Barbara Brummer, Ph.D.
Dock at Oswego River
© Barbara Brummer, Ph.D.  / TNC

Why You Should Visit
A favorite destination for kayakers and canoeists, the Oswego River is a key artery that winds through diverse and varied Pine Barrens landscapes. Comprising the headwaters of this stunning river, the preserve is home to streamside corridors of wetlands dominated by pitch pine forests, cedar and hardwood swamps, and pine barren savannas.  A dam across the Plains Branch, a tributary to the Oswego River, forms a pond adjacent to a small cabin at the preserve.

Location
Bass River and Woodland Townships, Burlington County
483 acres

Directions

Oswego River Preserve, Burlington County
bordering Bass River & Woodland Township

New Jersey Turnpike

Take the Turnpike to Exit 4/Route 73/Marlton.  Proceed on Route 73 South towards Marlton.  At the Marlton Circle, get on Route 70 East.  Take Route 70 to the SECOND traffic circle (the first is the intersection of 70 and 206).  Proceed onto Route 72 East (towards shore points).    Take Route 72 East to mile marker 12.  You will make a right on a sand road just after mile marker 12.  Barnegat Auto Wreckers is on the left.  This is the sand road sometimes referred to as the Red Road, and is called Stevenson Road on maps, though there is no street sign. 

Travel 3.3 miles on the Red Road (Stevenson Road).  The road will then "Y," bear right and you will come to gate on your right.  On the right is the Oswego River Preserve.

Garden State Parkway

Take the Parkway to Exit 63 and proceed on Route 72 West.  Take Route 72 West to mile marker 12.  You will make a left on a sand road just after mile marker 12.  Barnegat Auto Wreckers is on the right. This is the sand road sometimes referred to as the Red Road, and is called Stevenson Road on maps, though there is no street sign. 

Travel 3.3 miles on the Red Road (Stevenson Road).  The road will then "Y," bear right and you will come to gate on your right.  On the right is the Oswego River Preserve.

Hours
The preserve is open from dawn until dusk.

Visitation Guidelines

  • No swimming, camping, fires, or alcoholic beverages.
  • Littering and dumping are prohibited.
  • No collecting or trapping.
    Motorized vehicles are prohibited.

Trails
Informal trails wind through the forests.

What to See: Plants
Knieskern’s beaked rush and curly grass fern are only a few of the numerous globally and state rare species found here.

What to See: Animals
The diminutive pine barrens tree frog finds habitat in the wetlands at this preserve.

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
The preserve is part of a larger natural area spanning approximately 10 miles that encompasses the Oswego River and its headwaters. This streamside corridor is home to increasingly threatened wetlands, pitch pine forests, cedar swamps, hardwood swamps, and pine barren savannas.  The region’s varied landscape boasts a diverse range of natural communities. 

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
Establishing Oswego River Preserve helps protect the headwaters of this stunning pine barrens river helping to safeguard the fragile wetlands found in the area. In recognition of the rich range of plant and animal species at the preserve, the Conservancy sponsored a 24-hour bio-blitz to inventory the diversity of plants, animals, and natural communities found here.