The 1.1 million acre New Jersey Pinelands, covering nearly one quarter of the state, is a region of varied resources and opportunities. It is home to almost twelve hundred species of plants and animals, many unique natural environments, and a rich folk life based on its natural wealth. Pinelands ecosystems include coastal wetlands, pine/oak upland forests, and white cedar swamps. A major influence on these resources lies within the sandy soil, where over 17 trillion gallons of water are stored in the sands of the Kirkwood/Cohansey Aquifer, the primary source of drinking water for South Jersey residents. Pinelands heritage, dating from prehistoric times, has helped create the landscapes of the Pines. Native Americans used the region’s resources for food and shelter, and early settlers used cedar trees and bog iron as the basis for local industries. Today, cranberry and blueberry agriculture are the major Pinelands industries. Despite the perception of a barrens landscape and generations of resource based activities, the remarkable treasures of the Pinelands National Reserve continue to regenerate, providing both inspirational and recreational opportunities for visitors and residents alike.
