Pine Barrens Fact Sheet
The Pine Barrens is one of the worlds unique nature areas. The Pinelands Nation Reserve covers over 1 million acres of largely undeveloped land in the nation's most densely populated state, New Jersey. It covers 7 counties and 56 municipalities. It is designated a biosphere reserve by the United Nations and a "Last Great Place" by the Nature Conservancy for its environmental importance.
View from Apple Pie Hill. Click on image for larger version.
Because of the high PH of the soil, only a few types agricultural crops can grow in the Pine Barrens. Blueberry and Cranberry are the most common.
Blue Berries
The Cohansey Aquifer, which contains an estimated 17 trillion gallons of pure water, is found in the Pine Barrens. This shallow aquifer is often found near the surface, producing wetlands, cedar swamps, and streams.
Cedar swamp. Stream bottom.
The Pine Barrens contains largest pigmy pines forest in the country. These scrubby pines grow no more then 10 feet high.
West Plains near Warren Grove, pigmy pines.
The Great Egg Harbor and Maurice Rivers, sections of both are federally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers for their outstanding natural resources, are located in the Pine Barrens.
Click on photo for larger version
South River, Great Egg Harbor River.
Mannamuskin Branch, Maurice River.
39 animal species considered threatened with extinction in New Jersey, such as the Barred Owl and Northern Pine Snake, are found in the Pine Barrens.
Barred Owl. Northern Pine Snake
Early Pine Barrens industries included bog iron, glass, and papermaking. Early churches from these communities still exist
Pleasant Mills Church, circ. 1808.
The Pine Barrens best preserved historic site is Batsto Village, an early iron and glass village.
Batsto Mansion
The commercially cultivated blueberry was developed at Whitesbog, where many original buildings remain.
Worker's House, Whitesbog.
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