NATURE TRAIL
Venture along the .4 mile long trail (out and back) to the Osprey Blind and Barnegat Bay. Along the meandering trail you will come across a mix of both native and non-native vegetation. Some of the native shrubs and trees that you will see includes winged sumac, bayberry, beach plum, serviceberry, black cherry, red maple and red cedar. Some highly invasive species are: common reed and Japanese honeysuckle. Please stay on the trail as poison ivy grows along the edges of it.
The Nature Trail Project
The Nature Trail was created by selectively clearing sections of vegetation along a berm above the wetlands on LBIF’s property. Beginning behind the Marine Science Building, the trail runs northeast parallel to the facilities before branching into the Pollinator Path, which leads to beehives and a turtle garden. The path then reconnects and continues northwest along the wooded edge of Sandy Lane, please remain on the trail, as this section contains poison ivy, before merging with the existing saltmarsh trail on the Joe Torg Wetlands.
Trail development focused on blazing the route, spreading mulch, and constructing an osprey viewing blind. Ongoing efforts include managing invasive species such as Common reed (Phragmites australis) and Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), as well as controlling poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans).
The project began with a Volunteer Work Day, where over 50 participants helped blaze the trail, plant native trees and shrubs, and clear brush with the assistance of Pine Barrens Tree Service. A second work day brought students from the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science (MATES), who joined Ben Wurst, Habitat Program Manager at the Conserve Wildlife Foundation, to continue trail maintenance during Stockton University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.
Annual maintenance includes removing poison ivy, trimming phragmites and overhanging branches, and adjusting the marsh walkway to keep the trail safe and accessible for all visitors.
STAY IN TOUCH
SUBSCRIBE
Join our email list and be the first to know about upcoming programs, special events, and more!