WNJ Exclusive: Pirates, Talking Trees, and Kayaking at Cheesequake State Park
The namesake creek of Cheesequake State Park.
by Kimber Ray
Tucked away in the midst of New Jersey’s suburban communities lays an unexpected respite from the hectic grind of Middlesex County. With over 1,500 acres of impressively diverse ecological habitats- ranging from salt marshes to hardwood forests and pine barrens- Cheesequake State Park is a unique opportunity to experience the ecological transition between North and South Jersey.
Cheesequake's "talking trees" provide visitors with factoids about the park.
Cheesequake offers a variety of activities including camping, swimming, hiking, and a multi-use trail for bikers and cross-country skiers. Roaming through the woods and reveling in the fresh air, it becomes clear that this park is a haven for birders and nature enthusiasts. Most notably, the park is home to several man-made nesting platforms for osprey- a threatened species in New Jersey due to past use of DDT in marshes.
Edison Wetlands Association and Wild New Jersey prepare to embark on a kayaking trip on Cheesequake Creek.
"Cheesequake State Park is one of those rare gems where nature comes alive in the midst of a highly urbanized area," said David Wheeler of Wild New Jersey. "Only in New Jersey can you find the stunning dichotomy of rare wildlife thriving next to kayakers, as thousands of cars drive past on the Garden State Parkway."
David Wheeler of Wild New Jersey tests the water at Cheesequake Creek.
Park naturalist Jim Faczak shares his knowledge about Cheesequake State Park.
Tucked away in the midst of New Jersey’s suburban communities lays an unexpected respite from the hectic grind of Middlesex County. With over 1,500 acres of impressively diverse ecological habitats- ranging from salt marshes to hardwood forests and pine barrens- Cheesequake State Park is a unique opportunity to experience the ecological transition between North and South Jersey.
Cheesequake's "talking trees" provide visitors with factoids about the park.
Cheesequake offers a variety of activities including camping, swimming, hiking, and a multi-use trail for bikers and cross-country skiers. Roaming through the woods and reveling in the fresh air, it becomes clear that this park is a haven for birders and nature enthusiasts. Most notably, the park is home to several man-made nesting platforms for osprey- a threatened species in New Jersey due to past use of DDT in marshes.
Edison Wetlands Association and Wild New Jersey prepare to embark on a kayaking trip on Cheesequake Creek.
"Cheesequake State Park is one of those rare gems where nature comes alive in the midst of a highly urbanized area," said David Wheeler of Wild New Jersey. "Only in New Jersey can you find the stunning dichotomy of rare wildlife thriving next to kayakers, as thousands of cars drive past on the Garden State Parkway."
David Wheeler of Wild New Jersey tests the water at Cheesequake Creek.
Not only is the area a pleasurable
location to spend the day- it’s also an important component in New
Jersey’s environmental health. The estuary provides valuable flood water
protection for nearby homes and additionally helps to filter out
pollutants before they enter the watershed. Interested visitors have the
opportunity to augment their knowledge of New Jersey’s natural
environment at the nature interpretive center, which integrates human
expertise with practical exhibits.
Park naturalist Jim Faczak shares his knowledge about Cheesequake State Park.
Wild New Jersey joined the Edison Wetlands Association for a kayaking trip on an excellent day in Cheesequake. Naturalist Jim Faczak revealed the history, ecology and fauna of the area. During our kayaking trip I even got to try a sea pickle, which early settlers had used to add salty flavor to foods!
Cheesequake State Park workers share stories about pirates and bootleggers who once heavily trafficked the creek.
And some really get into the pirate roles!
And some really get into the pirate roles!
We kayaked along the tidal estuary, a type of transition area between river environments and the open sea. This meeting of fresh water and salt water results in a number of interesting marine influences in the park, including saltwater marshes and daily tidal shifts. As we glided down the creek, our nature guide commented on how recent tidal fluxes that day had caused some islands in the creek to be completely submerged underwater.
Employees of the Edison Wetlands Association are enthralled by the park's tranquility.
Later, we pulled out our binoculars to get a closer look at the osprey swooping overhead- a testimony to the good work of the employees at Cheesequake. In addition to the numerous ospreys, we saw green heron, belted kingfisher, marsh wren, clapper rail, willet, great blue heron, snowy egret, great egret and cormorants.
Birds perched on the remnants of a ship harbor on the creek.
As we left the creek, we were greeted by a family spending their day fishing on the crabbing bridge. With such a fascinating environment and array of activities, Cheesequake makes it clear that there’s nothing cheesy about saying New Jersey is still the ‘Garden State.’
Kayaking guide April Lippet-Faczak and David Wheeler urge you to keep New Jersey wild!
Kayaking guide April Lippet-Faczak and David Wheeler urge you to keep New Jersey wild!
Posted by WILDNEWJERSEY at 8/25/2011 12:06 PM 
Categories: WNJ Exclusives, Recreation
Tags: Cheesequake State Park New Jersey Middlesex County salt marshes pine barrens ecology nature adventures nature tours osprey DDT David Wheeler Wild New Jersey Edison Wetlands Assocation garden state parkway Estuary watershed
Categories: WNJ Exclusives, Recreation
Tags: Cheesequake State Park New Jersey Middlesex County salt marshes pine barrens ecology nature adventures nature tours osprey DDT David Wheeler Wild New Jersey Edison Wetlands Assocation garden state parkway Estuary watershed
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