Pigeon Swamp State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids {{#property:name}} |
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Pigeon Swamp in January 2006
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| Location | South Brunswick, New Jersey |
| Area | 1,078 acres (4.36 km2) |
| Designated: | 1976 |
Pigeon Swamp State Park is a large park in New Jersey. It covers about 1,078 acres (436 km2). You can find it in South Brunswick, Middlesex County.
This park is mostly natural and undeveloped. It has different kinds of areas, like open ponds and forests. The forests are filled with hardwood trees that lose their leaves in the fall. Long ago, this area was a big nesting spot for passenger pigeons. Sadly, these birds are now extinct. In 1976, Pigeon Swamp was named a National Natural Landmark. This means it's a very special natural place. The park is also part of the Lawrence Brook watershed.
Contents
Park History
The park's name comes from one of its first owners. Her name was Ann Pidgeon. She was the daughter of Jeremiah Basse. In 1761, the land went to John Wetheril.
The Great Ditch
In 1780, people started building the Great Ditch. This was an attempt to drain the swamp. They wanted to turn the wet land into farms. The state kept the ditch working until the mid-1800s.
Later Changes
In 1945, a company called Dallenbach Sand Company dug up part of the park. This was near where I-95 is now. You can still see this dug-out area from Deans Rhode Hall Road. It looks like an open space with a big lake. This specific area is fenced off.
Becoming a State Park
By 1973, Pigeon Swamp was a large wetland. It covered about 2,600 acres (11 km2). It was not protected at that time. In 1974, people started working to make it a state park. Now, the state of New Jersey owns most of the land. The Department of Environmental Protection manages it. Even though buildings are going up nearby, people are trying to save parts of the park. They want to protect its history and nature.
Plants and Animals
Pigeon Swamp State Park is home to many different plants and animals. You can see many types of trees here.
Trees and Plants
When you visit, you might see sweetgum trees. There are also red maple trees. You can spot pin oak and black gum trees too. These trees are visible from the roads and trails.
Wildlife and Habitats
In the open grassy areas, you might see birds like kestrels. Red-tailed hawks also fly overhead. The park also has special ponds called vernal pools. These pools are very important for amphibians. Many frogs and salamanders use them to lay their eggs.
Visiting the Park
Pigeon Swamp State Park is mostly natural. It does not have many buildings or facilities. There is a small parking area for visitors.
Safety Tips
During certain times of the year, people are allowed to hunt deer in the park. If you visit during these times, it is important to be safe. You should wear bright orange clothing. This helps hunters see you easily.
Restricted Areas
Some parts of the park are closed to the public. These areas are used for training with large machines. This includes big cranes and tractors. These areas have fences around them for safety.
