The Best Tree conservation area in Princeton, New Jersey

The Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge, located in Princeton, New Jersey, is a birder's paradise just minutes from downtown Princeton. Originally established in 1968 as the Princeton Wildlife Refuge, it was renamed in honor of Charles H. Rogers, a Princeton University ornithologist. The refuge features an open marsh maintained by natural water drainage, observation towers for bird watching, and structures for purple martins and tree swallows. The diverse habitat attracts a variety of mammals, birds, and plant life, making it a crucial area for local wildlife. With over 90 species of nesting birds and numerous others passing through, the refuge is a popular spot for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. The preservation of this important habitat is essential, as wetlands are disappearing at an alarming rate.

Welcome to The Watershed Reserve, a natural sanctuary nestled in Hopewell Township, New Jersey. Just a short 20-minute drive from Princeton, Trenton, and New Hope, PA, our reserve offers a serene escape across nearly 1,000 acres of diverse landscapes, including forests, wetlands, meadows, and farmland. With over 10 miles of scenic hiking trails, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while exploring historic farmsteads from the 18th and 19th centuries. The Watershed Center, located within the reserve, is open to the public free of charge. Visit us on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Our trails, Butterfly House, Tree Frog Trail, and Wargo Pond are accessible daily from dawn to dusk, offering endless opportunities for nature exploration.