Dryden-Kuser Natural Area Cedar Swamp Field Trip

The 850-acre Dryden Kuser Natural Area, dedicated in 1965, was the first Natural Area in the State of New Jersey.  We will walk the 1.5 mile loop trail through the highest elevation Atlantic white cedar swamp in the world and explore a wetland that was created by a retreating glacier over 15,000 years ago. 

We will travel through forests and on a boardwalk over a sphagnum moss carpet with wild calla and blue flag iris.  Species we will see include spruce, pitch pine, white pine, black gum, eastern hemlocks, rhododendron, striped maple and many more.

If we are lucky, we can see migrating and nesting Warblers, hear a Barred Owl hoot, the drumming of a Ruffed Grouse or spot a porcupine sleeping in the branches of an evergreen. Bring binoculars if you have them.

Meet at the High Point State Park Office, 1480 NJ route 23, Sussex, NJ at 9:30 a.m. 

We will meet at the park office and then travel to the Cedar Swamp. There is a $10 entrance fee for NJ residents.  Residents who are age 62 or older are eligible for a Senior Citizen Pass which allow free entrance to any car with a pass holder inside. For this reason, I am suggesting that we meet at the headquarters to facilitate having a senior pass holder in each car.

We will then enter the park, through the toll booth and continue straight. Go past Lake Marcia on the right. Make a left turn at the top of the lake, going past the playground to the end of the road and park on the right.

Bathrooms are available at the park office and inside the park at the far end of the parking lot for Lake Marcia.

Any questions, contact Kathy Wilson, kat.wils@hotmail.com, (201) 400-3993