By Tammy Thornton
Hidden Gems of South Jersey are people, things, and places that make South Jersey special. Often these treasures are tucked away spots, known only by the locals. The Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve is only a short drive for most of our readers, but a great way to get back to nature.
This 220-acre sanctuary provides a peaceful setting for hiking, biking, and fishing. Various upper and lower trails surround a 45-acre man-made freshwater lake where fishing is encouraged and fishermen have reported catching bass and sunfish. Hikers, bikers, and runners can take advantage of the six miles of marked trails. Visitors can take the sandy well-worn upper trail overlooking the lake, the trail along the lake, or the 3-mile loop through the woods, where nature lovers can take their time bird watching and observing other wildlife found in its natural habitat.
Improvements are always being made to the Reserve. Last year, three new park benches were strategically placed to give visitors a place to rest and take in the views. These were installed thanks to generous contributions from “Friends of the Park”. Local schools, Boy Scout troops, and community volunteer groups have completed projects to enhance the park, and have also participated in clean-up days. In April, the EHT Nature Reserve Committee held an “EHT Community Pride Day” requesting volunteers to help clean debris. Helpers were then treated to lunch and refreshments.
In addition to the lake and woodland areas, a third component of the park is the arboretum tract which features an environmental learning center with an education pavilion, garden areas, and restroom facilities. According to the Reserve’s website, the environmental learning center, “features a nature trail to enhance the study of trees, gardens, and meadows. It has a canopied building constructed by students of the Eagle Academy, bird houses and parking facilities. The 15 acre site has a trail system, recognized as part of the New Jersey Audubon Birding and Wildlife Trail System for its diverse habitat.”
While dogs must be kept on leashes, the trails are a favorite of dog owners who frequent the Reserve. Emmy Seybold, an Egg Harbor Township resident, visits the park all the time with her dog, and running partner, Ziggy.
Various events take place throughout the year at the Reserve such as the annual “Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve Turkey Trot”, which was held for the sixth time this past November. This event is a 5k for runners or a one mile walk for those who want to take it a little easier. In March of this year, the Township ran a New Jersey tree recovery campaign at the Reserve and provided Egg Harbor Township residents with free seedlings. This program was held to help communities replace some of the trees lost during Superstorm Sandy.
The Reserve is also a popular place for the mountain bike club, the Atlantic County Dirt Devils, to practice. According to Coach Chris Cafiero, of Northfield, his team (including Cafiero’s sons Jack and Vincent) meets at the Reserve about 2-3 times per month. Kids ages eight and older and their parents join in on a group ride of the trails.
If you haven’t done so already, check out this hidden gem of South Jersey. The Nature Reserve parking lot is located at 318 Zion Road in Egg Harbor Township and the Arboretum and Learning Center parking lot is at 18 Schoolhouse Road, Egg Harbor Township. For more information, visit: ehtnaturereserve.org.
