The Pine Barrens

The Pine Barrens, located in southern New Jersey, is a vast, temperate forest covering over a million acres. It features sandy, acidic soils with numerous pine trees, shrubs, and wetlands, creating a unique ecosystem. Known for its natural beauty and diverse plant and animal life, it also has a history of being a remote area used for forestry, hunting, and early settlement. Today, the Pine Barrens is protected as a national preserve, offering recreational activities like hiking and camping while preserving its ecological and cultural significance.