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Trail Guides
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Dorothy Preserve
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4
 
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Maple Avenue and 12th Avenue, Estell Manor, NJ
Phone: (908) 234-1225
www.njconservation.org/dorothypreserve.htm
New Jersey Conservation Foundation
From the parking area at Maple Lake WMA, turn Right onto Maple Avenue. After 1.8 miles, where the road bends left, park on the Right at the entrance for Dorothy Preserve. DIRECTIONS FROM NEAREST HIGHWAY: From the intersection of Route 50 and Route 40 in Mays Landing, continue South on Route 50. After 0.5 miles, turn Right at the traffic light onto 11th Avenue. After 4 miles, turn Right onto Maple Avenue. After 0.4 miles, where the road bends left, park on the Right at the entrance for Dorothy Preserve. Map
Look for interpretive signage at numbered stops along the trail in the near future.
Ruffed Grouse have been found in the Pine Barrens Savannah habitat historically, but have been in decline.
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| Northern Fence Lizard | Matt Webster |
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| | Dorothy preserve contains classic Pine Barrens forest accented by Pine Barrens savannah habitat in the Southern portion of the preserve, and Atlantic White Cedar swamp in the Northern portion. Both of these areas feature unique plant and animal discoveries for the beginner and advanced naturalist alike, and there are some interpretive and plant identification signs along the trail.
The Red-headed Woodpecker found near the western portion of the property is probably the most remarkable avian species found on this property.
The wintering mixed flocks of White-breasted Nuthatch, Downy Woodpeckers, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee and Yellow-rumped Warbler are active in the understory. Keep an eye out for Fox Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Dark-eyed Junco and White-throated Sparrow. White-tailed deer and Wild Turkey leave tracks in the sand.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Scarlet and Summer Tanager, Solitary and Red-eyed Vireo are common during the spring migration. Some remain as breeders into the summer months. Spring peeper, chorus frog, carpenter frog, leopard frog, gray treefrog and Pine Barrens treefrog are among amphibians to look for in the swampy Northern portion of the porperty.
Little blue stem, still-leaf aster and blazing star flourish in the savannahs. Various species of butterfly, including tiger and black swallowtail, are seen during the summer months. Box turtle and fence lizard can be spotted near trail edges. Little brown bats hunt insects at dusk. Insect repellant recommended.
Flocks of American Robin, Goldfinch and Cedar Waxwing stop to pick fruit from the blueberry and holly bushes. Chipping sparrow and Eastern Phoebe are among migrants in the savannahs. Butterflies such as monarch, buckeye, and painted lady can be found through October. Gray squirrels begin gathering and stashing acorns.
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