A Guide to New Jersey Biodiversity - Ella Stastney
New Jersey's Ecosystems
New Jersey is full of a wide range of ecosystems. Scroll below to learn more about some of them!
More coming soon :)
Coastal Ecosystems
There are many coastal ecosystems in New Jersey due to the Jersey Shore. These ecosystems include beaches, dunes, tidal marshes, maritime forests, bays, and so many more.
These ecosystems house a lot of different animals and contribute to the biodiversity of the coast.
Remember when visiting the Jersey beaches to throw out any trash you see to help contribute to the preservation of biodiversity in the coastal ecosystems!
The Pine Barrens ecosystems are one of the most important ecosystems of New Jersey. They cover "1.1 million acres in South Jersey".
- Source: Pine Lands Alliance
The Pine Barrens are home to an astonishing variety of different species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Out of all of these different species, the Pine Barrens house "43 animal species that are listed as threatened or endangered by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife"
- Source: NJ.gov
The Pine Barrens provide habitats for many different animals and provide us with the water that we need to live. Therefore, it is important to protect them so we can continue to enjoy their beauty!
Pine Barrens
Ecosystems
Photograph credits: Wikipedia
Highlands Ecosystems
Photograph credits: NJ spotlight news
The Highlands spans from Connecticut to Philadelphia, and encompasses many different ecosystems. These include forests, valleys, wetlands, and grasslands.
Not only are the Highlands home to many different ecosystems, but these ecosystems house many different species, like mammals, amphibians, birds, and more.
The Highlands also support many endangered and threatened species, like the bog turtle and bald eagle.
The Highlands also supply lots of our drinking water and house many rare communities. It is so important that we work to conserve the highlands amidst climate change so we can preserve the biodiversity they provide.
Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The Meadowlands, also known as the Hackensack Meadowlands, are a region of New Jersey that also contain a wide variety of ecosystems.
The Meadowlands mostly consist of wetlands and marshes, and house many diverse species including birds, mammals, and amphibians.
Unfortunately, it has become extremely urbanized. There are many landfills found in the meadowlands as well as extreme amounts of resource depletion and pollution.
Source: Wikipedia
Check out the Meadowlands Conservation Trust to see how you can help.
Hackensack Meadowlands Ecosystems
Photograph credits: Wikipedia