Mention “New Jersey” to most people and images of the turnpike, traffic, pollution, and the cast of Jersey Shore come to mind. Though I am not a New Jersey native, I have grown to love my adopted state and have been surprised time and time again by its little-known and oft uncelebrated beauty.
The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is such a place of beauty. Located in southern Morris County, in the middle of suburban New Jersey, the Great Swamp, according to their website, “is here to conserve its natural resources for the American public while protecting threatened and endangered species for future generations. Today the refuge consists of 7,768 acres of varied habitats, and the refuge has become an important resting and feeding area for more than 244 species of birds. Fox, deer, muskrat, turtles, fish, frogs and a wide variety of wildflowers and plants can be found on the refuge.”
On a sunny yet breezy early spring afternoon, with camera in hand, I felt the impulse to go on an adventure and rediscover this gem of New Jersey. Having said my happy goodbye to New Jersey’s very long, snowy, and cold winter, I was thrilled to make a quick stop at the Great Swamp. That quick stop turned into an hour and a half long visit.
As I walked the paths and stopped to take pictures, I realized that I had never visited during this time of year. Though I have visited “the Swamp” many times before, it was like I was visiting it for the first time. I perceived a different kind of beauty in her marshes, meadows, grasses, and trees. Color, texture, and light all affected my perception. Listening to the sounds of birds, water fowl, frogs, and the light breeze through the trees, I was caught up in this world of enchantment.
With the sun descending low into the west, I reluctantly made my way back to the car. One day, when I don’t have to get back home to make dinner, I will stay for a lovely sunset and see how the Great Swamp will be attired. I am sure she will be arrayed in splendor, this beautiful gem of New Jersey.
To view larger images, click any picture.
April 7, 2014 at 11:54 pm
Reblogged this on Divy Amin Amazing nature.
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April 9, 2014 at 5:19 am
Thanks!
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April 8, 2014 at 12:30 am
Wow! Very nice photos. 🙂
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April 9, 2014 at 5:19 am
Thank you so much!
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April 8, 2014 at 12:32 am
I love refuges and look forward to exploring more–and seeing yours, here. What a difference a season makes.
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April 9, 2014 at 5:20 am
Thank you Patti. Yes, refuges are those little gems that many people don’t seem to notice sometimes ever when it’s in their own backyard.
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April 8, 2014 at 12:55 am
I, too, would not have associated New Jersey with these kinds of nature scenes. Glad you got such a beautiful place to escape to and thank you for sharing your inviting pics with us.
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April 9, 2014 at 5:21 am
Thank you so much. I’m glad you enjoyed them.
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April 8, 2014 at 10:50 am
New Jersey is a beautiful state and your photos prove it. I don’t know which one is my favorite.
I think I should revisit the Great Swamp, haven’t been there in way too long.
I always have my camera ready too, you never know when a great picture is right in front of you 🙂
– Joan –
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April 9, 2014 at 5:22 am
Thanks so much Joan. Yes, visiting the Swamp sounds like a great idea. One of these days, maybe we should take a photo-nature-walk together!
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April 9, 2014 at 8:53 am
That would be fun, I’d like that 🙂
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April 8, 2014 at 12:05 pm
What a beautiful place! And your photos are wonderful. 🙂
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April 9, 2014 at 5:23 am
Thank you so much!
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April 8, 2014 at 12:45 pm
New Jersey looks beautiful through your lens, Luna! Gorgeous captures.
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April 10, 2014 at 9:23 am
Thank you so much Amy!
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April 8, 2014 at 1:53 pm
My husband grew up in that area. 🙂 It’s beautiful!!
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April 10, 2014 at 9:24 am
Yup! 🙂 Thanks for the comment Cecelia!
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April 8, 2014 at 8:45 pm
I love this state. Even after two stints in Europe, I came back here. Yes, taxes are abominable, and the government is always prime for jokes, but the diversity that New Jersey offers brings me home here. Hills, forests, beaches, and yes, swamps. Huge cities, tiny farms. Sprawling developments and little Victorian villages . . . NJ is endlessly complex, and yet simple in its beauty. I love my state, and your photos are a vivid reminder of just one of the places that make me love it.
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April 10, 2014 at 9:26 am
Maggie – That is so beautifully put. Thank you so much.
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April 9, 2014 at 2:41 pm
We have a place this close to home and I have gone there at sunset … the grasses and the light on the water – I hope you make it back. And I love that closing shot, fitting end of the day image.
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April 10, 2014 at 9:26 am
Thank you Lynne. Yes, I love that closing shot as well.
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April 10, 2014 at 4:36 pm
Truly gorgeous images 🙂
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April 10, 2014 at 9:49 pm
Thank you so much Jo!
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April 25, 2014 at 9:37 am
Nice Images.! I’m intrigued. I’ll return the question you asked of me and ask where you would park (go) to explore the Great Swamp? M
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April 25, 2014 at 11:55 pm
You can find directions here: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Great_Swamp/visit/directions.html
There are several trails I have yet to explore. 🙂 It’s located in a beautiful area of New Jersey. Thank you for visiting my blog and the nice compliment!
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February 24, 2016 at 6:21 pm
Born and raised in New Jersey. Of course I love this post!
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February 26, 2016 at 11:18 pm
Yes, New Jersey is a beautiful state. 🙂
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