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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 the stairway to the 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 (2008)
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
(2008 photo).
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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
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