Robert Spiegel examining eggs in Aztec Pond in the Dismal Swamp.

As the leading organization working to preserve the 1,240-acre Dismal Swamp Conservation Area in central New Jersey, Edison Wetlands Association (EWA) has worked for years to protect this imperiled area from being paved over for development.  Wild New Jersey joined EWA on a summer transect through the Triple C Ranch segment of this suburban nature oasis in Edison. 

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Though species such as great blue heron and snapping turtle loom larger on a typical visit, the group focused on many of the macroinvertebrate species that are typically overlooked.  Snails, crawfish, tadpoles, slugs, spiders, and insects rule the stream bottoms, vernal pools, and forest floor detritus in New Jersey's natural areas, and the Dismal Swamp offers a plethora of these tiny creatures.

                            
                                   A snail found by the Middlesex Greenway through the Dismal Swamp.

                                    
                                                    A near-translucent cricket found in a meadow.
                
                                                
                              Sara Imperiale and David Wheeler examining Aztec Pond for more invertebrates.

                                      
                                              A large spider found stalking the water of Aztec Pond.

                                                   
                                         A vibrant yellow slug found deep in the woods of the Dismal Swamp.

                                        
                                       A juvenile Fowler's toad found on the South Plainfield Holdings property.


                                                    All photos by Dana Patterson, WildNewJersey.tv



Here are the previous stories from the first and second winter transects of the Dismal Swamp.