Jersey Shore Magazine

j e r s e y s h o r e • S p r i n g 2 0 1 7 41 Island Conservation Zone, and the Emily DeCamp Interpretive Center. Open Mon. - Fri. 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM; Sat., Sun., and holidays 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM. Access to fishing in the park is 24 hours-a- day. Mobile sportfishing vehicle permits are avail- able through the Park's Visitor Contact Station at the entrance gate. Please check the website for current entrance fees (charged by vehicle). JAKES BRANCH COUNTY PARK AND NATURE CENTER 1100 Double Trouble Road Beachwood, (732) 281-2750 or 1-877-OCPARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Known as "The Gateway to the Pines," the 400- acre Jakes Branch County Park offers a balance of active and passive recreation opportunities. The Nature Center in the park highlights the beauty, history, and natural surroundings of the Pine Barrens. Breathtaking views of the seeming- ly endless pine forest can be taken in from the observation deck atop the Nature Center. Jakes Branch also offers soccer, baseball/softball, tennis, and basketball in addition to miles of nature trails. The tot lot, picnic grove, and open playing fields appeal to children of all ages. LAKE SHENANDOAH COUNTY PARK AND SPORTS FIELD COMPLEX 660 Ocean Avenue (Route 88) and 300 New Hampshire Avenue Lakewood, 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Tall oaks and pines surround gorgeous Lake Shenandoah, which is the focal point of this 143- acre park. Trout-stocked waters, accessible fishing piers, and an on-site bait-and-tackle shop with boat rentals make this spot perfect for freshwater fishing, from land or water. There is a small boat launch (electric motors only), a conservation area, picnic area, playground, and bike trail. At the 84-acre sports field complex area, there are basket- ball courts, six soccer fields, and two softball fields, which are also available for use. (Pre-registration is required.) In the spring and fall, the fields are busy with local teams and excited onlookers. THE LIGHTHOUSE CENTER FOR NATURAL RESOURCE EDUCATION 7th Street and Navajo Drive Waretown, (609) 698-8003 www.experiencebarnegatbay.org Owned by the Division of Fish and Wildlife and situated on 194 acres of diverse coastal habitat adjacent to Barnegat Bay in Ocean Township, there are a variety of opportunities to explore the maritime forest, salt marsh, two tidal streams, and a freshwater impoundment on this unique site. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist for shorebirds, wading birds, waterfowl, and woodland wildlife including fiddler crabs, songbirds, otter, turtles, deer, and fox. The Lighthouse Center is the per- fect setting for groups to truly experience the natural wonders of Barnegat Bay through hands- on and meaningful contact with its resources. This former "Camp for the Blind" was purchased by the Trust for Public Land and transferred to the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife as part of their ongoing commitment to the Barnegat Bay water- shed. The Natural Resource Education Foundation of New Jersey operates the Center in partnership with the NJDEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife as a premier natural resource education facility. LOCHIEL CREEK COUNTY PARK Barnegat Boulevard North (westbound side), Barnegat 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Opened in 2014, this hidden gem covers over 177 acres of forests and wetlands. The entrance road winds among pines and blueberries into a quiet and pristine setting. Amenities include a comfort station with restrooms, ample parking, and a 1.75 mile marked nature trail. The trail highlights the park's diversity as it meanders through rolling hills that are relic sand dunes from a time when the area was a prehistoric beach. The trail also crosses Lochiel Creek, the park's namesake, which harbors populations of federally threatened wildflowers and strange carnivorous plants. Along with native orchids and wetland shrubs, there are plenty of wildflowers to see throughout the growing season. The parking area also serves as a trailhead where visitors can access the 6.5 contiguous miles of the Barnegat Branch Trail via a short connector trail. MANASQUAN RESERVOIR Park and Visitor Center: 311 Windeler Road, Howell (732) 919-0996 or (732) 842-4000 Environmental Center: 331 Georgia Tavern Road, Howell, (732) 751-9453 www.monmouthcountyparks.com Please refer to the listing under "Boat Rides & Sightseeing Cruises." County operated public recreation area on 1,203- acre reservoir. Hike, picnic, or put in your own canoe, kayak, or electric powered boat and pay a daily or seasonal ramp fee. Rent boats too! Or tour the reservoir on a thirty-six foot pon- toon boat with a guide who will introduce you to the area's plants and wildlife. Forty minute weekend tours from Memorial Day to the end of September. $6. for adults and $4. for twelve and under. In the winter, the reservoir is open for ice skating, ice boating, and ice fishing (depending upon weather conditions). Be sure to visit the Environmental Center on 331 Georgia Tavern Road. Dedicated to providing experiences of learn- ing and discovery of wetland ecology and wildlife and habitat protection, the Environmental Center is open daily 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Free! MANASQUAN RIVER GREENWAY Freehold to Howell, (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com Over 337 acres along the Manasquan River are protected in their natural state. This preserved open space provides river access for fishermen, kayakers, and boaters with canoes and other small watercraft. Please be aware that navigating sections of the river may be challenging and/or require numerous portages due to natural obstruc- tions and fluctuating water levels. River access, including fishing, is available from these locations in Howell: Southard Avenue; West Farms Road; Ketcham Road; Haven Bridge Road. MANTOLOKING BRIDGE FISHING PIER 30 Mantoloking Road, Brick 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org With great views of Barnegat Bay, this park caters to anglers, crabbers, and sightseers. On the Brick side of the Mantoloking Bridge, the 70-foot-long fishing and crabbing pier also features a board- walk, picnic area, sun shade, gazebo, and lighted paths. Park goers have access to a second pier on the south side of the bridge, as well as Traders Cove Marina and Park (maintained by the Brick Township Department of Parks & Recreation). METEDECONK RIVER GREENWAY Freehold to Howell, (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com This 929-acre greenway protects the water quality and wildlife habitat along the Metedeconk River, a natural border between Monmouth and Ocean counties. The Monmouth County Park System is preserving land along the Metedeconk stream corridor in conjunction with similar efforts in the Ocean County portion of the watershed. Currently, there is no established parking for this site. MILL CREEK COUNTY PARK AND FLORENCE T. ALLEN CONSERVATION AREA 110 and 111 Chelsea Avenue Berkeley Township, 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Mill Creek County Park is located in Berkeley Township between Pine Beach and Ocean Gate. Cedar chip trails, the Mill Creek, the Toms River, and three playgrounds make this a sce- nic and inviting park. The park's 14 acres offer the perfect spot for a family picnic under the pavilion or at one of several secluded picnic tables. Basketball, conservation area, trails, grills, restrooms, handicapped accessible. This park is also the future site of the Ocean County Sailing Center. The Florence T. Allen Conservation Area consists of 45 acres of cedar swamp and uplands bordering Mill Creek. These wetlands protect Mill Creek as it flows into the Toms River. MONMOUTH BATTLEFIELD AND MONMOUTH BATTLEFIELD STATE PARK 16 Business Route 33, Manalapan (732) 462-9616 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksand forests/parks/monbat.html This is where Molly Pitcher became famous during a Revolutionary battle. It was on the Monmouth Battlefield that General Washington and General Sir Henry Clinton faced each other. This victory convinced the British that the revolutionaries were a force to contend with and not just a ragtag rabble. This is also the setting for the historic Craig House. continued on page 42 Manasquan Reservoir in Howell. S. Bonk

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