Mackenzie’s Preserve

Mackenzie’s Preserve is a 267-acre preserve owned by the New Jersey Natural Lands Trust. Much of the upland, calcareous forest is dominated by sugar maple, basswood, ash, black birch, and a variety of oaks. The exposed limestone and dolomite bedrock provides habitat for a large diversity of saxicolous mosses, liverworts, lichens and other fungi. Historical imagery and hand-drawn topographical maps from the 1800s suggest this forest is at least 150 years old, which is supported by tree cores taken from the preserve. This preserve also contains habitat for several rare or state endangered plants and animals. Visitors are encouraged to stay on established trails and pathways so as not to disturb sensitive habitat.