Black River County Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black River County Park |
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The Black River in 2019
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| Location | Chester Township, New Jersey |
| Operated by | Morris County Parks Commission |
The Black River County Park is a cool public park located in Morris County, New Jersey. It's managed by the Morris County Park Commission, which helps take care of parks in the area.
This awesome park spans about 560 acres (that's like 425 football fields!) right next to the Black River. You can find it between the towns of Long Valley and Chester. The park's land was shaped long ago by a glacial valley created by the Black River and its smaller streams. Inside the park, you'll discover special places like the Nathan Cooper Gristmill, the Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center, the Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center, and the Willowwood Arboretum.
Contents
Discovering Black River Park
The Black River County Park is a great place to explore nature and learn new things. It offers many activities for visitors of all ages.
What Can You Do at the Park?
The park is perfect for outdoor adventures.
- Hiking: There are many trails to walk and explore the beautiful scenery.
- Fishing: You can try to catch fish in the Black River.
- Bird Watching: Keep an eye out for different kinds of birds that live in the park.
- Educational Programs: The park's special centers offer fun and educational activities.
Special Places in the Park
The park is home to several unique spots:
- Nathan Cooper Gristmill: This historic mill shows how grain was ground into flour a long time ago.
- Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center: Here, you can learn about the environment and local wildlife.
- Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center: This center focuses on outdoor learning and beautiful gardens.
- Willowwood Arboretum: A living museum of trees and plants from all over the world.
A Look into the Park's Past
The land where Black River County Park now sits has an interesting history, especially with mining and railroads.
Mining History
In the 1800s, people mined for iron ore in this area. There's even an old iron mine still within the park! This iron was very important for making tools and other items back then.
The Old Railroad
To help transport the iron ore, a railroad was built in 1883. It was called the Hacklebarney Branch of the High Bridge Railroad. Later, it became part of the Central Railroad of New Jersey (CNJ). However, the railway stopped being used in 1900. Today, parts of the old railway bridge have been turned into a hiking trail along the river, which is pretty cool!
The Kay Family's Gift
In 1924, Alfred and Elizabeth Kay moved to the area. They bought different pieces of land to create their large farm, which they called Hidden River Farm. Over time, some of their land was generously donated to become part of the park system, allowing everyone to enjoy its beauty.
Nearby Natural Areas
The Black River valley is home to other important natural areas besides Black River County Park. These include the Black River Wildlife Management Area and the Hacklebarney State Park.
Gallery
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Nathan Cooper Gristmill and mill race
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Tubbs House and conservatory at the Willowwood Arboretum
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Hutcheson House and garden at the Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center
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The Patriots' Path by the Black River near the Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center
