Celebrate Earth Day and learn about the various ecosystems of the Cheesequake State Park on a three-mile guided walk from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on April 25.
Located off of exit 120 form the Garden State Parkway, Cheesequake State Park encompasses 1,610 acres. The park offers a large variety of recreational activities from camping, swimming, picnicking, crabbing, biking and over 10 miles of hiking trails. Cheesequake State Park’s uniqueness lies in its geographical location. Not only is it situated in the middle of the urban north and the suburban south, but it also lies in a transitional zone between two different ecosystems. Open fields, saltwater and freshwater marshes, an Atlantic white cedar swamp, pine barrens habitats and a northeastern hardwood forest await visitors.
Birding for Beginners
Sunday, April 19 –Â 9-10:30 a.m.
Join Cheesequake’s Naturalist on a 1.5 mile walk for an introduction into birding. Focus will be on how to spot and identify local feathered friends. Meet at the Hooks Creek Lake Day Use Area by the front of the pavilion. Directions:Â https://maps.app.goo.gl/VFzhjbc6dRKxCVnB6.
Earth Day Guided Walk
Saturday, April 25th – 10-11:30 a.m.
Celebrate Earth Day and learn about the various ecosystems of the park on a three-mile guided walk. Dogs are allowed on a leash. Meet at the Hooks Creek Lake Day Use Area by the front of the pavilion. Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VFzhjbc6dRKxCVnB6.
Dress for the weather. Recommended items: water and binoculars! For any questions, call the Nature Center at (732) 566-3208.Â
The Osprey returns
It is officially spring and many birds are starting to return from their migration. One of these travelers is the osprey! Staff and park visitors have been spotting a male osprey perched on the nesting platform visible by the Crabbing bridge. Osprey have site fidelity meaning they return to the same site each year. The males return first, guarding the site and awaiting the females return before they begin rebuilding their nest.
Camping is open
Are you looking to stay the night? Camping is available in family campsites through Oct. 31st. Campsites are equipped with a picnic table, fire ring and lantern hook. Area facilities include potable water, hot showers, flushable toilets, and a nearby playground. For more information on camping or to reserve a site please visit:Â www.camping.nj.gov.Â
Visit the Nature Center
Come visit the Nature Center. There are educational displays and activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy. The Nature Center is open Wednesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (as staffing permits). It is accessible by a half mile walk from the trail head parking lot. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) parking is available directly at the Nature Center.
For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/cheesequakestatepark and https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/cheesequake.html
