The forest floor mainly consists of shed plant parts, such as leaves, branches, bark, and stems, all in different stages of decomposition above the soil surface. Many forms of life are abundant here, including bacteria, fungi and invertebrates. Both the climate and type of vegetation have an effect on the rate of decomposition.
Decomposition allows for vital nutrients and building blocks of life to be recycled back to where they are needed, and is a very important part of forest life.
Whittemore Preserve was bequeathed to Tewksbury Township by the beloved Helen A. Whittemore. She was a nature lover and diarist who wanted her land and house to be preserved so that others may be awed by the natural world and inspired by its beauty to preserve it.
Whittemore Preserve includes Whittemore House and 11 miles of trails for hiking, dog walking, and horseback riding. Trails traverse mainly wooded areas with wetlands, ravines, and hilly terrain. The sanctuary also serves as the perfect stage for birders and nature lovers to view local avian species and other wildlife.
The Northern New Jersey Cachers, NNJC is about promoting a quality caching experience in Northern New Jersey. For information on The Northern New Jersey Cachers group you can visit: www.nnjc.org.
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nnjc.org & Metrogathering.org