Nestled in the densely populated suburbs of Northern New Jersey, Eagle Rock Reservation offers a sprawling 408 acres of pristine forest, a mere five-minute drive up the winding Eagle Rock Lane. For those familiar, like my dog Gatsby pictured here, the anticipation builds with each turn as the trees emerge on the horizon, a promise of natural respite from the urban hustle. Gatsby, with his keen canine senses, knows this route intimately and expresses his excitement through happy whines as we ascend the steep roads leading to our beloved destination.
Gatsby enjoying Eagle Rock Reservation's snowy landscape
During a recent Thanksgiving break, Eagle Rock Reservation greeted us with its first delicate blanket of snow for the year. Though two days old and now crusted with a layer of ice, the forest pulsed with life beneath the wintry facade. Squirrels, perhaps caught off guard by the early frost, busily scurried about, diligently preparing for the approaching winter, their movements closely monitored by Gatsby’s watchful gaze. While deer remained elusive during our daytime visit – they are known to frequent town areas during the day and seek refuge in wooded havens like this at night – telltale cloven hoof prints marked the fresh snow, hinting at their nocturnal presence.
Gatsby and I instinctively headed towards our favorite trail, a path that gracefully traces the course of a lively stream. The stream, swollen with snowmelt, surged with twice its usual volume, a testament to the recent change in season. My water-loving dog, typically undeterred by murky waters, exercised unusual caution this time, seemingly aware of the icy depths that lay beneath the surface. This subtle shift in Gatsby’s behavior sparked a reflection on his profound connection with this natural space. I often consider how much Gatsby, with his extraordinary olfactory abilities, could teach me about the intricate phenology of Eagle Rock Reservation. I imagine he navigates a world mapped by scent, perceiving the invisible trails of every creature, from the smallest bird to fellow canines and human visitors. These ever-changing olfactory stories paint a dynamic portrait of the reservation, a narrative I can only attempt to decipher.
Eagle Rock Reservation holds a special significance for me, mirroring the role Centennial Woods in Burlington now plays in my life. Both are vital natural sanctuaries embedded within densely populated regions. They share a history of consistent foot traffic and a long-standing designation as protected natural areas – Eagle Rock dating back to the 1800s and Centennial Woods to the early 1900s. Intriguingly, Eagle Rock’s design benefited from the touch of the Olmsted brothers, renowned for their masterpiece, Central Park, and with a notable influence in Vermont through their design of Shelburne Farms. Crucially, both Eagle Rock Reservation and Centennial Woods serve as essential retreats, havens of nature offering respite from the relentless pace of development.
One striking observation during my visit to Eagle Rock was the persistence of autumnal foliage. Many trees still clung to their leaves, a stark contrast to Vermont where nearly all hardwood trees had already shed their leaves, save for the tenacious young American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) trees known for retaining their foliage through winter. The Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) pictured below stood out, still adorned with a canopy of mostly green leaves.
Norway Maple tree retaining green foliage in late fall at Eagle Rock Reservation
This difference in leaf retention, I believe, is primarily attributed to the milder climate of New Jersey compared to Vermont, even with the recent snowfall in both locations. Walking through both Eagle Rock Reservation and Centennial Woods, their profound importance to their respective communities is undeniable. While they may not boast the most dramatic vistas or challenging ascents, their value lies in their accessibility and the essential dose of nature they provide to urbanized environments. It is in these everyday natural spaces, like Eagle Rock Reservation, that special memories are often made, proving that the most significant impacts often stem from the seemingly ordinary moments.
