The entrance to this park is not very obvious. Look for a driveway for 19 Boonton Ave (CR 511) marked by a wooden sign that says Montville - Heirwarter Estates - 19 Boonton Ave. Facing the sign there are driveways to the left and right of it. The correct entrance is just to the left (North) of it. Parking lot is at end of the driveway.
Wild Acres Preserve is a 44-acre protected open space located on Boonton Avenue in Montville Township, New Jersey. The preserve is jointly associated with Montville Township and The Land Conservancy of New Jersey, which maintains its headquarters on the property. This natural area features mature woodlands, wildlife habitat, and gently rolling terrain that offers visitors a quiet retreat from surrounding neighborhoods. Open throughout all four seasons, Wild Acres balances public recreation with long-term environmental preservation. Visitors are asked to respect posted rules to ensure the land remains pristine for future generations.
The land was once owned by Fred and Myrtle Hierwarter, who lived on the property for more than fifty years. The original house foundation dates back to the 1700s, with the home rebuilt in the 1930s after a fire. Mr. Hierwarter operated a sawmill on the property and collected historic bells and milling equipment still displayed today. In 2000, Montville Township acquired the land to preserve it as open space, honoring the family’s wish to protect its natural character. In 2001, The Land Conservancy of New Jersey renovated the house and relocated its headquarters to Wild Acres.
Wild Acres Preserve offers a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors and geocachers alike. Three marked walking trails of varying difficulty wind through forests and scenic viewpoints. Wildlife sightings may include deer, wild turkeys, bluebirds, pileated woodpeckers, and occasionally black bears. The Wild Acres Garden, established by volunteers, features native plants and is certified as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat. Historic artifacts and interpretive signs add educational value to each visit.
A highlight of the preserve is the Wildlife Habitat Garden, officially opened in 2005. The garden includes native shrubs, sugar maples, tulip trees, and evergreens that support butterflies and other pollinators. A gazebo donated by Pfizer Inc. in 2006 provides a quiet resting place for visitors. Volunteers and community groups continue to support stewardship projects throughout the preserve. Wild Acres is an ideal geocaching destination combining nature, history, and conservation.