Preserve Info

When New Jersey Department of Transportation constructed Route 18 it was inevitable that some important wetlands would lie within its route. The wetlands of the Whale Pond Creek fell in its path of progress. The highway steered through an Atlantic white cedar wetland, an unusual forest in this part of Monmouth County. To offset this wetland impact, DOT went about to recreate replacement wetlands now central to the Trust's Whale Pond Brook Preserve.

Seen by the many thousands of speeding highway commuters who travel this section of Route 18, drivers may recognize the series of small ponds, shallow water wetlands and mud flats. These diverse wetlands provide resting and feeding for wood duck, teal and mallards. The mud flat wetlands were designed such that killdeer, yellow legs and herons now can enjoy ideal habitat in spring and summer. In winter these ponds can hold extra water for migratory waterfowl. The preserve also provides a mixed forested wetland with both Atlantic white cedar and black gum, a habitat enjoyed by warblers and other songbirds.

Public Access and Uses

Public access is restricted at this time since the property has no suitable parking. No hunting is permitted at this preserve.

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