Candace McKee Ashmun Preserve at Forked River Mountain

4,000 Acres Lacey and Ocean Townships Ocean County
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Dedicated in October 2010, the Candace McKee Ashmun Preserve at Forked River Mountain encompasses more than 4,000 acres of semi-wilderness on the eastern edge of the New Jersey Pine Barrens in Ocean County.

Located across Route 532 from Ocean County’s Wells Mills Park, the Ashmun Preserve consists largely of pitch pine upland forest interwoven with large stands of Atlantic white cedar. The unfragmented forest and wetlands of this area serve as protection for the headwaters of Oyster Creek and the North, Middle and South Branches of the Forked River. All of these relatively pristine streams feed into the southern end of Barnegat Bay and are critical in safeguarding the bay’s health.

This area contains prime habitat for many rare and fascinating species, such as the threatened Northern Pine Snake, the beautiful Bog Asphodel and the mascot of the pines; the Pine Barrens tree frog. Lucky visitors may also find such Pine Barrens rarities as the petite Curly-grass Fern and the showy Swamp Pink.

The preserve is named for Candace Ashmun, a tireless environmentalist who has devoted more than six decades to helping New Jersey’s environment. A resident of Basking Ridge, Ashmun has been a member of the state Pinelands Commission since its founding in 1979 and is the last original commissioner still serving.

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