Introduction to the Birding & Wildlife Trails

New Jersey enjoys a wide variety of distinct habitats, many of which are the subject of intensive conservation efforts. From highland mountains, to pineland forests, to sandy beaches, to scenic rivers and windswept bayshore marshlands, it is the assortment of natural resources that results in tremendous diversity in the state’s wildlife. In fact, due to its location on the Atlantic flyway, its relatively small size and undeniable abundance of wildlife, it is New Jersey that boasts the highest density of wildlife per square mile of any state in the nation! New Jersey, the fourth smallest state, hosts over 325 birds species, 90 mammal species, 79 reptile and amphibian species and over 400 species of fish in its 8,722 square miles.
So, why develop Birding and Wildlife Trails? Such trails have proven so successful in other parts of the country that trails projects are literally sweeping the nation. Whether available as fold-out maps, brochures, leaflets or books, they are an ideal way to present any state’s natural resources to a broad audience of residents and visitors, therefore bringing to the local community the tangible economic benefits of increased nature-based tourism. Wildlife viewing is the fastest growing outdoor recreation industry in the country, and is enjoyed by approximately one in three adults. In New Jersey alone, wildlife viewing is a $1.2 billion business. Click here for more on the economics of wildlife-watching.
In developing the first guide for New Jersey, we drew on the experiences of our colleagues in other states, especially Virginia, Florida and Texas, and we thank them for their support, encouragement and enthusiasm. We also borrowed some of their ideas and came up with many of our own to make the guide and this website as easy-to-use and welcoming as possible. Our second effort broke new ground as we linked 30 “urban oases” within the Hackensack River Watershed in one of the most densely populated areas of the country. Our most recent guides are the three Skylands counties of Sussex, Warren and Hunterdon. Our first ever "Try the Trails" Day on April 25, 2008, was the launch event for the Skylands guides and proved to be a fun and successful day! Next up is the Pinelands Region, which will include Atlantic, Burlington, Camden & Gloucester counties. Stay tuned for the release of the guides and the launch event in 2010!