Explore 3 Stunning Pine Barrens Parks This Spring

From rare wildlife to natural rejuvenation, these Long Island gems offer outdoor adventures.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:00am

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As the weather warms and nature comes alive, the Pine Barrens region of Long Island offers three exceptional parks to explore this spring: Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, Wading River Marsh Preserve, and Cranberry Bog County Nature Preserve. Each park showcases the diverse ecosystems and natural beauty of the Pine Barrens in unique ways, from abundant waterfowl and warblers to rare flora and the reclamation of former commercial lands.

Why it matters

The Pine Barrens are a vital natural resource on Long Island, providing habitats for countless species of plants and animals. These three parks allow visitors to immerse themselves in the region's natural splendor and appreciate the importance of preserving these delicate ecosystems, even in areas that were previously developed.

The details

Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge features the Carmans River watershed and offers hiking trails with frequent views of the river and opportunities to spot a variety of waterfowl. Wading River Marsh Preserve is a more challenging hike but showcases the beauty of the Pine Barrens' saltmarshes, and has even hosted a pair of Bald Eagles in the past. Cranberry Bog County Nature Preserve was once a commercial cranberry bog, but has since been reclaimed by nature, now home to a variety of wildlife and a rare stand of Atlantic White Cedar.

  • Spring is the ideal time to visit these parks as flowers bloom, birds migrate, and the weather warms.
  • In early spring, many duck species can be spotted at Wertheim before they migrate north.
  • Late April and early May bring an abundance of warblers to Wertheim, creating an "avian kaleidoscope".

The players

Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge

A large park that encompasses a significant portion of the Carmans River watershed, one of the two primary watersheds on Long Island. It features an informative visitor center and hiking trails with views of the river.

Wading River Marsh Preserve

A more remote preserve that showcases the beauty and importance of the Pine Barrens' saltmarshes. It has hosted Bald Eagles in the past and offers a rejuvenating experience in the wilderness.

Cranberry Bog County Nature Preserve

A preserve that was once a commercial cranberry bog, but has since been reclaimed by nature. It is now home to a variety of wildlife and a rare stand of Atlantic White Cedar, demonstrating how nature can reclaim previously developed land.

Travis Cutter

A writer for the Long Island Pine Barrens Society who authored the article highlighting these three parks.

Long Island Pine Barrens Society

A non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the Pine Barrens region of Long Island.

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What they’re saying

“Few places can instill that sense of hope better than Cranberry Bog, and that makes it the perfect place to visit this Spring.”

— Travis Cutter, Writer

The takeaway

These three Pine Barrens parks offer visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty and appreciate the importance of preserving these delicate ecosystems, even in areas that were previously developed. From abundant wildlife to rare flora, each park showcases the Pine Barrens' unique character and the resilience of nature.