State park in Middlesex County, New Jersey
Pigeon Swamp State Park is a 1,078-acre (4.36 km2) New Jersey state park located on Deans Rhode Hall Road (Middlesex CR-610) in South Brunswick, in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States. It is an undeveloped park, with a mix of habitats including open ponds and uplands hardwood forests. It also includes a good example of an inner coastal plain lowland deciduous hardwood forest.[2] At one time, it was a major nesting site for passenger pigeons before they became extinct.[3] It was declared a National Natural Landmark in December 1976.[4]
The park is located in the Lawrence Brook watershed.
History
The name of the park came from one of its original owners, Ann Pidgeon, daughter of Jeremiah Basse.[3] It transferred to John Wetheril in 1761. In 1780, the building of the Great Ditch was begun which attempted to drain Pigeon Swamp in order to create farmland.[3] The ditch was maintained by the state until the mid 19th century. In 1945, the Dallenbach Sand Company dredged part of the site, near what is now I-95.[5] The dredged section is clearly visible from Deans Rhode Hall Road as an open area with a large lake. The entire area is fenced off.
As of February 1973, Pigeon Swamp was a 2,600 acres (11 km2) unprotected wetland. In 1974, efforts began to turn it into a state park. The park comprises a large number of land plots, owned by the state of New Jersey and managed by its Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Parks and Forestry.[6] Development continues to occur nearby, although there are attempts to preserve space for historical or environmental reasons.[7][8]
Flora and fauna
Many instances of sweetgum, red maple, pin oak and black gum trees are visible from the road and trails.[9] In the open meadows, kestrels and red-tailed hawks have been spotted. There are also vernal pools which are heavily used by amphibians[10]
Visiting
The park is mostly undeveloped land, with no facilities, other than a small parking area. Deer hunting is allowed in the park, so appropriate cautions must be taken during deer season, including wearing Blaze orange clothing.[11]
A certain area of the park is closed off to the general public. It is used as a training facility for large cranes and tractors. The area, which includes a lake, is surrounded by barbed wire fences.
