30 www.sparkexploreocean.com
Cloverdale Farm County Park G9
34 Cloverdale Road, Barnegat
609-607-1861
90 acres
Cloverdale Farm County Park is the newest addition to the Ocean County
Department of Parks and Recreation. The property was purchased from
Katherine Collins in 2004, who operated the cranberry bogs and tree farm
on the property for over 50 years with her husband, William. The property
has been continuously run as a cranberry farm since the late 1800s.
Perhaps the most attractive aspect of the park is its natural beauty.
Besides cranberries, the bogs are home to wildflowers, birds and a host
of other flora and fauna. This provides an opportunity for photographers
and nature enthusiasts in any season. The 1.4-mile self-guided nature
trail meanders through the farm into undisturbed woodlands that offer an
escape from everyday life.
The Visitors Center opened in May 2015 and contains exhibits that
highlight the natural beauty and historical significance of the park. The
Visitors Center is open weekly on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and
by chance during the rest of the week. To schedule a group education
program, please call the Visitors Center at 609-607-1861.
Facilities: Visitors Center, restrooms, self-guided nature trail, fishing, birdwatching,
photography, hiking and walking trails, cross country skiing,
environmental education and picnic area.
Jakes Branch County Park G5
1100 Double Trouble Road, Beachwood
732-281-2750
400 acres
“The Gateway to the Pines,” Jakes Branch County Park
offers both active and passive recreation opportunities.
The Jakes Branch Nature Center highlights the beauty,
history and natural surroundings of the Pine Barrens
through informational exhibits, live animals and
environmental programs. Jakes Branch County Park
also offers families the opportunity to picnic, play sports,
visit the playground, walk the discovery play-trail or hike
and bike 8+ miles of nature trails.
The nature center staff offers recreation and
environmental education programs, both free-of-charge
and for a nominal fee, through our quarterly Parks and
Recreation Program Guide/Newsletter. Group programs
are offered free-of-charge to groups including schools,
scouts, clubs, churches and civic organizations located
within Ocean County. Arrangements can be made in
advance by contacting the nature center.
Please Note: The observation deck above the nature
center will be closed until further notice as repairs are
made to the electric doors.
Facilities: Accessible nature center and restrooms, hiking
and walking trails, interpretive nature trails, bike trail,
discovery play trail, cross-country skiing, open play field,
softball fields, baseball fields, multi-use fields, tennis and
pickleball courts, basketball courts and playgrounds.
Wells Mills County Park F8
905 Wells Mills Road (Route 532), Waretown
609-971-3085
910 acres
Wells Mills has the distinction of being the largest park
in the Ocean County park system with over 900 acres
of pine and oak forest within southern New Jersey’s
environmental marvel known as the Pine Barrens. Miles
of hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty can be
found here.
The three-story Nature Center offers a great display
floor, a library and the third-floor Elizabeth Meirs Morgan
Observation Deck, recently dedicated in honor of a very
active naturalist and conservationist in Ocean County.
Environmental programs and classes are held regularly
at Wells Mills, with experienced naturalists available
to answer any questions you may have about the
ecology of this area. Beautiful Wells Mills Lake has trails
meandering around it, perfect for a leisurely stroll through
the Pine Barrens within Wells Mills County Park. Canoe
rentals are also available at a nominal cost.
The annual Pine Barrens Jamboree is held at Wells Mills
each October. A day filled with music, piney vittles and
hand-made crafts, it’s an event not to be missed!
Facilities: Bike trail, canoe rental (seasonal), conservation
area, fishing, handicapped accessibility, nature center,
open playing fields, picnic area, playground and
restrooms.
Photo courtesy of Ocean County Parks & Recreation
/www.sparkexploreocean.com
