A Variety of Wildlife, Plants, and Trails Are at the 1,000-Acre Plainsboro Preserve
T
he Plainsboro Pre serve is a treasure! Located at 80 Scotts Corner Road in Plainsboro, it contains 1,000 acres, which support a diversity of wildlife, and includes one of the largest lakes in the area, along with a variety of hiking trails. Established in 2003, it is a collaboration of Plainsboro Township, Middlesex County, and New Jersey Audubon. Available to the public at no charge, it is open year-round. “We are working on ways to connect people with nature. In some cases, people have lost that connection today,” explains Nancy Fiske, sanctuary director of the preserve. “Our focus is New Jersey birds and animals. As a preserve, we have protected land — that is, protected for wildlife and plant life. lt is designated preserved space. Also, among our diversity of plant life, we have more than 10 species of rare or endangered species, including the majestic southern twayblade orchid.” Protected Land Ms. Fiske adds that in New Jersey 50 percent of the land is protected, including
farmland and open space. In addition to the 55-acre lake, the preserve includes more than five miles of trails, ranging from the wide lakeside trail to wet meadows to forested beech tree trails. The difficulty level ranges from easy to moderate, offering enjoyable hiking experiences for many people. A wonderfully scenic lake and a favorite attraction at the preserve, Lake McCormack dates to the 1960s, when McCormack Sand and Gravel Company began mining on the property. After only a few years, the mining operation hit a spring, and the area began to flood. As the mining program dwindled, water filled what is now the lake. It is home to many species of water fowl, and wading birds, as well as fish, turtles, frogs, beavers, muskrats, and otters. In its 14 years of operation, the preserve has become a popular site for people of all ages to spend time in its splendid natural setting. Individuals and families come to hike the trails, see the birds and animals, and enjoy the Rush Holt Environmental Educational
Center, which contains exhibits, small animals, fish, amphibians, and reptiles, a library, and a nature-focused gift shop. School children and Boy and Girl Scouts also visit the preserve to participate in projects, work on badges relating to New Jersey wildlife and natural environments, and enjoy bird watching and other programs. In addition, day camp for children of various ages, starting at 4 years old, is available throughout the summer. Nature camps for 4- and 5-year-olds include stories about a local animal, hands-on activities. short hikes, and a craft. For kids in first through third grade, Terrific Turtles and Toads includes a close-up look at snakes, salamanders, frogs, and fish in their natural habitats. Survival Skills Special mixed-age camps for grades one through six feature a focus each day on different animals that live in the preserve, and explores their habitat and habits: how they live, what they eat, and how they are particularly TAKING A BREAK: These painted turtles are spending a quiet moment at the McCormack Lake in the Plainsboro Preserve, which offers an environmentally-friendly setting on its 1,000 acres for a wide variety of fish, birds, mammals, and plant life. Continued on Next Page
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The Windsors & Plainsboro Area Life