Jakes
Branch County Park
"The Gateway to the Pine Barrens"
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Located
just west of the Garden State Parkway in Beachwood NJ, Jakes Branch
is the newest addition to the Ocean County park system. Officially
dedicated on February 26, 2009, the 400-acre park offers soccer,
baseball, tennis and basketball facilities, and a great playground
for the kids! There is also a picnic grove with grills and tables.
Only 40 acres of this environmentally-sensitive area were developed;
the balance will remain in its natural state as preserved open
space.
Perhaps
best of all is the wonderful nature center! Situated on a 77-foot
high hill, the 6,500 s.f. building offers a number of hands-on
exhibits relevant to the Pine Barrens, and a live animal exhibit
is in progress. An avian observation area gives a great view to
watch our feathered friends. The 40-foot tall outdoor observation
deck offers a 360' view of the Pine Barrens. It is accessible
via the nature center. An elevator is available - take it up,
then walk down to enjoy the exhibits en route.) Scheduled for
opening in April 2009 is a 3 1/2 mile nature trail through the
preserved 360 acres of Pine Barrens.
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Descriptions of
Upland Forests, Pitch Pine Lowlands, Hardwood Swamps and Atlantic
White Cedar Swamps in the Pine Barrens of Jakes Branch.
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View of the Birdwatching
area, taken from stairway to observation deck.
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Bird Identification
Display in Birding area
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Diorama
of a Pinelands habitat, complete with animals!
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Footprints in
the sand!
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A rotating magnifying
glass enlarges real-life dragonflies, moths, cockroaches, and
more!
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Jake's Branch
County Park is at the location of the "Jake's Branch Fire"
of 2002. Here, newspaper accounts relive the fire.
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Displays
such as these keep visitors of all ages busy for hours!
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Although educational,
"Nature Recycles" might be disturbing for young visitors,
as it depicts a vulture nibbling on a carcase of a dead deer.
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The stairway to
the observation deck offers displays such as this on about "Butterflies
of Jakes Branch".
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View
of the Observation Deck
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Several plaques
offer information about the panoramic views, such as this on
about the
Forked River Mountains.
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This view shows
remains of damage from the 1992 fire.
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The deck, reached
only by interior stairs or elevator, is sturdy and secure, and
safe for little ones (accompanied by an adult, of course). Even
this acrophobic writer felt at ease!
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The picnic grove
and playgrounds beyond, as viewed from the observation deck.
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There are two
adjacent playgrounds; one for up to 4 and this one, for kids
5 to 12 years old. They are both well-constructed with good
safety features in place.
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Jakes Branch County
Park
1100 Double Trouble Road
Beachwood, NJ
732-281-2750
View
Larger Map
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| The Pine Barrens
is becoming a popular tourist destination. It offers history, nature, boating,
camping, fishing, swimming, and most of all, peace and tranquility. It's
important to families who live here, whether for a few years or many generations,
that our peace and tranquility be preserved.A local lawyer or doctor won't
look any different than his neighbor who works the land. Thousand dollar
suits aren't what impress people of the Pines - taking care of nature and
fellow man is what matters. To that end, it is important for you to know
that as a visitor to our precious Pine Barrens, you should show respect
for the flora and fauna, for the historical buildings or their remains,
and show respect for the "locals". Walk and drive gently. Treat
our Pine Barrens as you would want a visitor to treat your own home town
- and your own family. Thank you. |
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PineyPower LLC
P.O. Box 307, Barnegat NJ 08005
609-698-2501
Member, Southern
Ocean County Chamber of Commerce
Barnegat Chamber of Commerce
Forked River Mountain Coalition
Natural Resource Educational Foundation/Lighthouse Center
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