Bear Swamp (New Jersey)
Bear Swamp is a swamp in Cumberland County, southwestern New Jersey, notable for its of old-growth forests and the birds they contain. It is divided into two areas, Bear Swamp East and Bear Swamp West, separated from each other by gravel mines and roads. Bear Swamp West Bear Swamp West contains broadleaf swamp forest dominated by black gum, American sweetgum, red maple, and sweetbay magnolia. Other trees present are American beech, swamp white oak, and American holly. Some of this forest is old-growth filled with trees of impressive sizes and ages. The black gum are nearly in diameter and 600 years old. The sweetgum again nearly in diameter, and 300 years old. The red maple are over in diameter. The American holly are particularly large, reaching in diameter and tall. Bear Swamp East Bear Swamp East is in Belleplain State Forest. It covers and contains of old-growth forest. It has forests similar to Bear Swamp West, but with large Tulip Poplar on hummocks, some reaching in diameter and 400 years of age. Habitat for birds As many as 30 bald eagles nest in the swamp, and it is home to the oldest continuously occupied bald eagle nest in New Jersey.