The forests of North America have undergone change for as long as they have existed, but never have they changed faster than they have in the past hundred years. As global trade and travel increased, so has the appearance of unwanted guests. Hiding in shipment crates and even personal luggage, seeds, insects, and more are able to make our continent their home.
Here at Whittemore you can see some of these invasive species. The red wineberries that you see scattered throughout the property may be tasty, but are actually from China. Much of the green ground cover you see in the woods is Japanese Stiltgrass, an invasive grass from Asia. Another common sight is the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, also from Asia. Those last two species in particular have thrived in New Jersey because they, along with most other invasives, have no natural predators here.
Whittemore Preserve was bequeathed to Tewksbury Township by the beloved Helen A. Whittemore. She was a nature lover and diarist who wanted her land and house to be preserved so that others may be awed by the natural world and inspired by its beauty to preserve it.
Whittemore Preserve includes Whittemore House and 11 miles of trails for hiking, dog walking, and horseback riding. Trails traverse mainly wooded areas with wetlands, ravines, and hilly terrain. The sanctuary also serves as the perfect stage for birders and nature lovers to view local avian species and other wildlife.
The Northern New Jersey Cachers, NNJC is about promoting a quality caching experience in Northern New Jersey. For information on The Northern New Jersey Cachers group you can visit: www.nnjc.org.
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nnjc.org & Metrogathering.org