Discovering the Magic of Alonzo F Bonsal Wildlife Preserve in Montclair, NJ

The Alonzo F. Bonsal Wildlife Preserve in Montclair, NJ, is a calming natural oasis in the heart of a bustling urban landscape. Located between the Watchung Mountains and the beautiful New Jersey Pine Barrens, Alonzo F. Bonsal Wildlife Preserve is a popular destination for birders, hikers, and nature lovers.  Bloomfield NJ can be seen here. 

The 110-acre preserve is owned and managed by the Township of Montclair, NJ, who use it to preserve nature and biodiversity. The preserve consists of upland and lowland habitats. It is home to a wide array of flora and fauna, including raptors, songbirds, deer, foxes, coyotes, weasels, hawks, lizards, turtles, and a multitude of other native species. Alonzo F. Bonsal Wildlife Preserve also plays an integral part in conserving particular species. One is the threatened wood turtle, which has declined for decades. The preserve also features numerous trails, from easy, flat terrain, perfect for walking and birdwatching, to more challenging pathways, ideal for hikers and adventurers looking for a bit of an outdoor challenge. Whether you are an avid birder, hobbyist photographer, or an outdoors enthusiast looking to explore nature and its beauty, Alonzo F. Bonsal Wildlife Preserve has something for everyone. As you explore the preserve, you will be met with beautiful scenery, lush meadows, and pristine wetlands that all contribute to a calming, healing ambiance. Birders will find the preserve especially rewarding, home to various native and migratory birds, including red-tailed hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, American kestrels, and cerulean warblers. During the summer, the preserve’s meadows fill with wildflowers, attracting flocks of colorful butterflies, making the preserve an excellent spot for photography and observing nature. Visitors to the preserve should also keep an eye out for signs of the historical significance of the area. In the mid-1800s, the Bonsal family, who had an estate in Montclair, used the preserve as a timber estate to harvest the valuable Eastern White Pine trees, a type of wood prized for use in shipbuilding. Today, visitors can find the remains of the lumber camp in the form of old stone walls and foundations. Preserving the land and its natural beauty is just part of what Alonzo F. Bonsal Wildlife Preserve is all about. The preserve is also known for its diverse educational programs and the exciting research conducted by local universities and environmental organizations. From bird banding and mammal tracking to studies on amphibians and reptiles, the preserve facilitates many educational programs that bring research into nature while inspiring the next generation of conservationists. The magic of Alonzo F. Bonsal Wildlife Preserve truly comes alive at dusk when the lights go down, and the night-time chorus of crickets and frogs can be heard echoing through the trees. This is when the natural beauty of nature at the preserve is revealed, and visiting Alonzo F. Bonsal Wildlife Preserve is an unforgettable experience. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, an avid birder, or someone looking for a place to relax and take in the beauty of nature in an unspoiled setting, Alonzo F. Bonsal Wildlife Preserve is the perfect destination. From its diverse plant and animal species to its historical significance, Alonzo F. Bonsal Wildlife Preserve invites you to come and explore the beauty, magic, and history of this unique natural site. Discover facts about Exploring the Beauty of Edgemont Park in Montclair, NJ.