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Trail Guides
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Michael Huber Prairie Warbler Preserve
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7
 
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Sooy Place, Vincentown, NJ
Phone: (856) 342-6523
njconservation.org/michaelhuberpreserve.htm
New Jersey Conservation Foundation
From Irick’s Causeway, turn Right onto Powell Place Road. After 0.2 miles, continue straight through the stop sign onto Sooy Place Road. After 2.2 miles, and park near the Preserve sign and kiosk on the Left.. DIRECTIONS FROM NEAREST HIGHWAY: From the NJ Turnpike, take exit 7 and follow Route 206 South to Route 38/CR 530 East toward Pemberton. At the second traffic light, turn Right onto Magnolia Road/CR 644. Follow Magnolia Road to the Four-Mile traffic circle. From the circle, take Route 72 East for 3.5 miles. Turn Right on CR 563 south. After 1.4 miles, turn Right onto Sooy Road. Proceed 3.6 miles and park near the Preserve sign and kiosk on the Right. Map
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| Prarie Warbler | Bob Cunningham |
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| | The Michael Huber Prairie Warbler Preserve offers extensive, well-kept and wide trails that wind through a variety of habitats, mainly pitch-pine/oak forest and white cedar swamp. Among the most viewable wildlife are multiple species of resident and migrant birds, including species listed on the state threatened and endangered list. Amphibians, lizards and a variety of mammals also call the preserve home. The mostly-shaded trails also offer looks at a wide spectrum of mushrooms and lichen.
An offshoot from the red trail leads to a clay-lined vernal pool, also known as a spung. This unique wetland is isolated from groundwater and streams, and its condition depends entirely on precipitation. This can be an excellent place to spot frogs and salamanders.
Barred Owls may be heard calling shortly after dawn. Look and listen for the uncommon Red-headed Woodpecker, which is a year round resident, but is easiest to spot in winter when foliage is sparse. Study the mixed winter flocks of chickadees and titmice to spot intermingling Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Brown Creeper.
Migration brings a variety of bird-life through the area, including many songbirds. Breeding birds will be in bright plumage and birds like Prairie Warblers and Pine Warblers are regulars. Listen for the buzzing call of the pine barrens tree frog through spring and early summer.
Breeding birds can still be seen relatively easily, with birds like Eastern Wood Pewees, Great Crested Flycatchers and Prairie Warblers moving through the trees collecting food for their offspring. The sound of rustling leaves may indicate the presence of a well - camoflauged fence lizard on a tree stumps or fallen log. Snakes such as black racers cross the sand paths frequently. Damselflies such as ebony jewelwing and common bluet are active near streams and wetlands.
Migration brings birds moving south through New Jersey. Juncos and White-throated Sparrows begin to appear in late October. Keep your eyes to the sky for raptors such as Broad-winged, Red-shouldered, Coopers, Sharp-shinned, and Red-tailed Hawk soaring overhead. Watch for red squirrels and chipmunks gathering food for winter.
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