Jersey Shore Magazine

j e r s e y s h o r e • S p r i n g 2 0 1 8 37 here on December 27, 1782. A ceremony com- memorating this event is held at the site each year on the Sunday closest to December 27. Due to its two hundred year history as a hub for locals and a crossroads for travelers, the tavern is listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places. Currently the site is closed to the public while Ocean County works to learn more about the site, implement its historic preservation plan, protect its delicate structure, and preserve its unique story for future generations. The site will eventually be available for group tours. CHEESEQUAKE STATE PARK 300 Gordon Road (GSP Exit 120 off of Morristown Road), Matawan (732) 566-2161 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/ parks/cheesequake.html Cheesequake State Park's uniqueness lies in its geographical location. Not only is it situated in the middle of urban north and suburban south New Jersey, it lies in a transitional zone between two different ecosystems. Open fields, saltwater and freshwater marshes, a white cedar swamp, Pine Barrens, and a northeastern hardwood forest are the main characteristics of the park. Nature Center, trails, camping, fishing, picknicking, boat- ing, canoeing, swimming, winter sports. CLAYTON PARK Park and Trail Head Parking: 161 Emley's Hill Road, (Imlaystown) Upper Freehold, (609) 259-5794 or (732) 842-4000 Activity Center: 202 Davis Station Road, (Imlaystown) Upper Freehold www.monmouthcountyparks.com This scenic 438-acre tract in Upper Freehold is known for its stately stands of oak, beech, ash, and birch trees. Located amidst rolling farmlands, there are nearly six miles of forested trails that bicyclists, hikers, and equestrians will enjoy. CLOVERDALE FARM COUNTY PARK 34 Cloverdale Road, Barnegat 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Get acquainted with this tucked away, 90-acre jewel, the newest park in the Ocean County system. A former cranberry bog and tree farm, the natural beauty of the park lends itself to a unique 1.4 mile self-guided nature trail which meanders through the farm and into undisturbed woodlands, offering an escape from every day life. Also on the grounds are original buildings from the Collins' family farm, dating back to the early 1900s. The Nature Center, opened in May 2015, contains exhibits that high- light the natural beauty and historical significance of the park and is open on Fri., Sat., Sun., and by chance during the rest of the week. CROSSWICKS CREEK PARK AND GREENWAY County Road 532, Upper Freehold (732) 842-4000 or (609) 259-5784 www.monmouthcountyparks.com Located amidst horse farms, nurseries, and pro- tected farmland, more than 1,897 acres protect Crosswicks Creek, an important local water resource, and provide access for fishing, paddling, and informal multi-use trails. At the heart of this greenway is pastoral Historic Walnford, a formal mill village. See also "Historic Walnford" and "Union Transportation Trail." DEEP CUT GARDENS 152 Red Hill Road, Middletown (732) 671-6050 or (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com Deep Cut Gardens is dedicated to the home gar- dener. The 54 acres of gardens and greenhouses are planned as a living catalog of cultivated and native plant materials to be observed through the seasons. Whether identifying the specimens in the gardens, questioning the horticultural staff, or perusing the books and magazines in the horticultural reference library, you will discover ways to improve your home garden. While there, visit the Home Compost Demonstration Area. Views of the surrounding countryside, shade, seating, and picnic tables. DORBROOK RECREATION AREA 353 County Road 537 East, Colts Neck (732) 542-1642 or (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com Developed with active recreation in mind, a wide variety of programs, classes, camps, and activities are offered at this 535-acre site. Dorbrook is home to Challenger Place, a universally accessible play- ground for children of all abilities with elevated surfaces and wider entry/play areas for wheelchair access. Other attractions include an Activity/Visitors Center, trails, group picnic shelters, a playground and sprayground, tennis and basketball courts, ath- letic fields (soccer, field hockey, flag football, wom- en's lacrosse, softball), and in-line skating rink. DOUBLE TROUBLE STATE PARK Double Trouble Road West, Berkeley or 581 Pinewald Keswick Road Bayville, (732) 341-6662 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/ parks/double.html Double Trouble State Park offers an outstanding example of the Pine Barrens ecosystem and a win- dow into Pine Barrens history. The park provides the protection and interpretation of over 8,000 acres of significant natural, cultural, and recre- ational resources representative of the Pinelands National Reserve. Rich with natural and cultural heritage, visitors can enjoy trails, fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, and kayaking. Double Trouble Village is a well-preserved historic village featuring New Jersey's cranberry agriculture, logging, and milling industries. Experience the cranberry bogs, restored village buildings, and Interpretive Center. The park open 8:00 AM to dusk. The Interpretive Center is open Wed. - Sun. 10:00 AM - 3:45 PM. E.B. LEONE CONSERVATION AREA Hooper Avenue and South Shore Drive, Toms River, 1-877-OC PARKS This county property, located on the northern shore of Silver Bay, consists of 45 acres of pris- tine wetlands and can be visited via the Parks & Recreation Department's pontoon boat tours. Contact Cattus Island County Park (732-270- 6960) for details on touring this protected area. EDWIN B. FORSYTHE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Headquarters: Brigantine Division Route 9, Oceanville, (609) 652-1665 deCamp Wildlife Trail: intersection of Mantoloking and Adamston Roads Brick Township Barnegat Observation Platform: Bay Shore Drive, Barnegat www.fws.gov/refuge/edwin_b_ forsythe/ Established to protect tidal wetlands and shallow bay habitats for migratory water birds, the ref- uge's location is one of the Atlantic Flyway's most active flight paths. Its value for the protection of water birds and their habitat continues to increase as people develop the Jersey Shore for their own use. Wildlife drive and trails are open seven days- a-week from sunrise to sunset. Headquarters is open weekdays, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. ENO'S POND COUNTY PARK 330 East Lacey Road Lacey Township, 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Eno's Pond County Park opened in autumn 1998. Its 28 acres and surrounding area have a long and colorful history dating to the Colonial period. The observation decks overlook Eno's Pond (which was once used as a source for ice for a hotel on the site) and are a good vantage point for view- ing some of the pond's residents and visitors. Eno's Pond County Park is adjacent to part of the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge Lacey Extension, and both entities are working to devel- op a trail system between the two properties. Conservation area, open playing fields, nature trails, picnic area/grills, playground, restrooms, volleyball, handicapped accessible. FISHERMEN'S COVE CONSERVATION AREA 391 Third Avenue, Manasquan (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com This 55-acre site, the last undeveloped tract on the Manasquan Inlet, is a great place for fisher- men, kayakers, wildlife enthusiasts, and beach- goers. Locally known as "Dog Beach," dogs are permitted in designated areas only. Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown. courtesy of Monmouth County Park System continued on page 38

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