Eldora Nature Preserve

Eldora Nature Preserve. Delaware Bayshores Program. , Welcome to the Preserve’s self-guided nature trail., Why is this land special? , Situated on the southern edge of New Jersey’s pine barrens, Eldora Nature Preserve is the site of The Nature Conservancy’s first preserve established expressly for the protection of rare moths. Three loop trails traverse meadows, salt marshes, forested wetlands, and pine-oak forests. This mosaic of habitats supports a variety of rare or endangered species including moths, butterflies, and rare skipper (Problema bulenta)., Migrating songbirds and hawks congregate in the wood during spring and fall. The Preserve’s shrubby edges and open fields also provide habitat for birds such as field sparrows and prairie warblers., A historic site steeped in science… , Historically, the land was farmed, and a house has existed on the site from at least the 1840’s. From 1965 to 1981, the dwelling served as the seasonal retreat of renowned entomologist and author Dr. C. Brooke Worth. He recognized the importance of the site to rare moths and protected the property from insecticide spraying. In 1881, he donated 177 acres to the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, which in turn transferred the property to the Nature Conservancy for management as a nature preserve. Renovations and expansion of the Worth house began in the mid-1990’s, and in October 1998, the Conservancy opened its new Delaware Bayshores Nature Center and gift shop., How may I visit? , The Preserve is open from dawn to dusk. , No Pets (except for seeing-eye dogs). , Stay on marked trails. , Camping, picnicking or fires are not permitted. , No littering or dumping. , Bicycles, motorized vehicles, horses, and firearms are prohibited. , No hunting or trapping. , Do not disturb, damage, or remove any plants or animals.