Moggy Hollow Natural Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Moggy Hollow Natural Area |
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 Moggy Hollow Natural Area
Location in Somerset County, New Jersey
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| Location | Somerset County, New Jersey |
| Nearest city | Far Hills |
| Area | 14 acres (5.7 ha) |
| Established | 1967 |
| Governing body | Raritan Headwaters Association |
| Designated: | 1970 |
The Moggy Hollow Natural Area is a special nature preserve. It covers about 14 acres (5.7 hectares) of land. You can find it near Far Hills in Somerset County, New Jersey, USA.
This area is famous for its unique geology. Long ago, a giant ice sheet called the Wisconsin Glacier covered the land. As it melted, it formed a huge lake called Glacial Lake Passaic. Moggy Hollow became the natural drain for this lake.
Because of its importance, Moggy Hollow was named a National Natural Landmark in January 1970. This means it is a nationally important natural site.
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How Moggy Hollow Was Formed
Moggy Hollow has an amazing story about how it was made. It all started with the Wisconsin Glacier. This huge sheet of ice grew bigger and blocked off many low areas to the north. This blocking caused a giant lake to form, which we now call Lake Passaic.
The Great Lake and Its Outlet
As Lake Passaic grew, it became very deep. At its deepest, it was about 240 feet (73 meters) deep! The water needed somewhere to go. It found its way out at Moggy Hollow. This spot was at the western edge of the lake.
There was a strong, hard rock layer here. It was made of basalt and stood about 331 feet (101 meters) above sea level. This rock layer acted like a natural spillway for the lake.
Carving the Ravine
As the lake drained, the water rushed over this hard rock. It carved a deep ravine into the softer soil below. Even after the glacier started to melt and move back, Moggy Hollow remained the main way for the water to drain. This was because a lot of ice and dirt were left behind in other areas.
Later, other lakes formed above Moggy Hollow. These lakes helped to shape the land even more. They brought the rock ledge to its current height.
History of the Preserve
The Raritan Headwaters Association now owns and takes care of Moggy Hollow. This group works to protect our natural water sources.
Most of the land was given to the association on November 4, 1967. It was a gift from the Belcher family. J. Malcolm Belcher, who used to be the mayor of Far Hills, gave the land on behalf of his family. The rest of the land was bought from Leonard J. Buck.
Visiting Moggy Hollow
You can visit the Moggy Hollow Natural Area. It is right next to the Leonard J. Buck Garden.
How to Get There
- You can ask to walk through the Buck Garden to reach the lower part of the ravine.
- Another way is to park on Liberty Corner Road. This lets you get to the top of the rock ledge.
Safety Tips
Some parts of the hollow are very steep. They can be dangerous, so please be careful when you visit.
