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New Jersey Pinelands Commission

@pinescommission.bsky.social
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The NJ Pinelands Commission is a state agency that oversees the protection of the 938,000-acre Pinelands Area of southern New Jersey. All photos by Commission staff, unless otherwise noted.

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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 22h
BOO-TIFUL: Happy October! Let’s usher in the spookiest month with new photos of ghost pipes — a plant that always lifts my spirits — growing along a trail in the #NJ Pinelands. Also known as Indian Pipe, the ghost pipe plant (Monotropa uniflora L.) is a native #wildflower found in most of the U.S. 👻
Also known as Indian Pipe, the ghost pipe plant (Monotropa uniflora L.) is a native wildflower found in most of the United States. It ranges in height from 10 to 30 centimeters, and is a “translucent, ‘ghostly’ white, sometimes pale pinkish-white and commonly has black flecks,” according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). “This unusual plant has no chlorophyll,” according to NC State Extension. “It obtains its nutrients by tapping into the resources of trees, indirectly through mycorrhizal fungi (i.e., it is mycoheterotrophic). Because they do not need any sunlight, they can live in very dark sites such as the floor of deep forests.” Also known as Indian Pipe, the ghost pipe plant (Monotropa uniflora L.) is a native wildflower found in most of the United States. It ranges in height from 10 to 30 centimeters, and is a “translucent, ‘ghostly’ white, sometimes pale pinkish-white and commonly has black flecks,” according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). “This unusual plant has no chlorophyll,” according to NC State Extension. “It obtains its nutrients by tapping into the resources of trees, indirectly through mycorrhizal fungi (i.e., it is mycoheterotrophic). Because they do not need any sunlight, they can live in very dark sites such as the floor of deep forests.”
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
LOOPED IN: Happy Wildflower Wednesday! Here are new views of a soybean looper moth (Chrysodeixis includens) sipping nectar from New England asters (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) at our office. 🌸 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #flowers #moths #insects #plants
A soybean looper moth (Chrysodeixis includens) sipping nectar from New England asters (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) at our office. The flowers are violet-pink with yellow centers. A soybean looper moth (Chrysodeixis includens) sipping nectar from New England asters (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) at our office. The flowers are violet-pink with yellow centers.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
IN THE “SPOT” LIGHT: Happy Turtle Tuesday! Let’s shellebrate in style with a gallery featuring native spotted turtles in the New Jersey Pinelands. This video shows two male spotted turtles fighting over territory. 🐢 📷: NJ Pinelands Commission staff #wildlife #reptiles #turtles
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Happy Monday! Here are new views of an American lady butterfly sipping nectar from native narrowleaf sunflowers (Helianthus angustifolius) in our rain garden in Pemberton Township. Also known as swamp sunflower, this showy species prefers moist soils. 🌻 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #flowers #butterfly
Also known as swamp sunflower, this showy species prefers moist soils, so it was planted in the deepest zone of our rain garden, which captures, treats, and infiltrates stormwater onsite. Narrowleaf sunflowers attract huge numbers of butterflies and bees while growing up to and sometimes well over 5 feet tall. Also known as swamp sunflower, this showy species prefers moist soils, so it was planted in the deepest zone of our rain garden, which captures, treats, and infiltrates stormwater onsite. Narrowleaf sunflowers attract huge numbers of butterflies and bees while growing up to and sometimes well over 5 feet tall.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Dozens of native timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) were born in our science lab in August, including one with two heads. 🐍 📷: John Bunnell, NJPC Chief Scientist #snakes #science #rare
This timber rattlesnake baby that was born with two heads. Because it is unlikely to survive long in the wild, the two-headed snake will live and receive care in captivity.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
GLOBALLY RARE BEAUTY: Happy Friday! Here are new views of native, globally rare Pine Barren gentians (Gentiana autumnalis) blooming in the New Jersey Pinelands. This herbaceous perennial boasts blue-violet #flowers that open in sunlight and close at night or on cloudy days. 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC
This showy, herbaceous perennial wildflower boasts electric to blue-violet flowers that open in sunlight and close at night or on cloudy days. They liven the landscape with their vibrant blooms that measure about two inches long and wide from September through October. This showy, herbaceous perennial wildflower boasts electric to blue-violet flowers that open in sunlight and close at night or on cloudy days. They liven the landscape with their vibrant blooms that measure about two inches long and wide from September through October.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
The NJ Pinelands Commission will hold its Policy & Implementation Committee meeting at 9:30 a.m. today (September 25, 2026). Tap here to livestream the meeting: www.youtube.com/live/yD3GiRT...
youtube.com
Pinelands Commission Policy & Implementation Committee - September 25, 2026
YouTube video by Pinelands Commission
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Treat yourself to a scary good deal by buying a heavy duty, Jersey Devil tote bag for 10% off from now through October 31st, with all proceeds from sales benefiting a fund that supports native plantings in the Pinelands. Tap here: new-jersey-pinelands-commission.square.site/product/jers...
new-jersey-pinelands-commission.square.site
Jersey Devil Reusable Grocery/Market Tote Bag | New Jersey Pinelands Commission
Show off your Pinelands pride and love for its most famous denizen with this Jersey Devil-themed, reusable grocery/market tote bag! This sturdy bag is 100% made in the USA and features an image of the...
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
RARE, NATIVE STUNNER: Happy Wildflower Wednesday! Here are new photos of native, rare slender rattlesnake-root (Nabalus autumnalis) blooming in the New Jersey Pinelands. 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #flowers #nativeplants #rare
Closeup of native, rare slender rattlesnake-root (Nabalus autumnalis) blooming in the Pinelands. The flowers are white. Also known as Pine Barren rattlesnake-root (and formerly known as Prenanthes autumnalis), this stunning, herbaceous perennial is among 92 plant species that are listed as threatened or endangered in the Pinelands and receive special protection under the Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan.Also known as Pine Barren rattlesnake-root (and formerly known as Prenanthes autumnalis), this stunning, herbaceous perennial is among 92 plant species that are listed as threatened or endangered in the Pinelands and receive special protection under the Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan.Also known as Pine Barren rattlesnake-root (and formerly known as Prenanthes autumnalis), this stunning, herbaceous perennial is among 92 plant species that are listed as threatened or endangered in the Pinelands and receive special protection under the Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
BEYOND BE-LEAF: Happy #autumn in the #NewJersey Pinelands! Here’s a gallery of scenes captured in the Pinelands during the fall season. What do you love most about #fall in the Pinelands? 🍂🍁 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #trees #nature #fallfoliage #leaves
Native red maples turning vibrant hues of orange and red in the Pinelands Fall colors livening the landscape at Double Trouble State Park in the Pinelands. Cranberries floating in a bog in the Pinelands Native sassafras leaves turning bright orange while being illuminated by sunlight in the Pinelands.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Happy Sunday! There’s clearly a ton of interest in native northern pine #snakes, based on the response to the video we shared yesterday. Here are more views of this gentle giant, which receives special protection in the Pinelands. 🐍 📷: NJPC staff
A native northern pine snake climbing branches in the Pinelands. A closeup of a native northern pine snake in the Pinelands. It has black and white scales.A native pine snake hatching A native northern pine snake in a tree in the Pinelands.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
SCALING UP: Happy Snake Saturday! Here’s a native northern pine snake expertly climbing a tree in the New Jersey Pinelands. 🐍 🌳 #snakes #wildlife #science
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
FLOWER POWER: Let’s fill our Friday feeds with new photos of native flowers in the New Jersey Pinelands. Have you seen all of these species? I love this time of year! 🌸🌼🦋🐝 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #nature #wildlife #flowers #butterflies #bees
A bumblebee visiting native showy aster flowers in our rain garden. A silver-spotted skipper sipping nectar from a native grassleaf blazing star flower at the Franklin Parker Preserve. An eastern tailed-blue butterfly visiting a  fern-leaf false foxglove in Bass River State Forest in the Pinelands. Native New York asters blooming at our office.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
PEACE IN THE PINES: Happy Thursday! Here are new scenes from a brief trek at the Makepeace Lake Wildlife Management Area in the New Jersey Pinelands. The 11,726-acre site is located in Hamilton and Mullica Townships in Atlantic County. 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #trees #flowers #nature
A sand road/driving trail flanked by pitch pines and blackjack oaks at the Makepeace Lake Wildlife Management Area. Bright yellow flowers of goldenrod Blackjack oak acorns Sumac
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
It’s kinda rad to be the country’s first National Reserve … 📷: Pinelands Commission staff #pinelands #pinebarrens #kindarad #newjersey #nature #wildlife
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
JOB OPPORTUNITY: The New Jersey Pinelands Commission is seeking a full-time Facilities Operations Supervisor to oversee day-to-day facilities, building, and operational functions. Tap here for a full job description: www.nj.gov/pinelands/ab...
The historic Fenwick Manor farmhouse provides office space for executive staff, along with planners and education/communications specialists. The barn houses members of the agency’s Science office. The carriage house provides office space for Business Office staff. The Richard J. Sullivan Center for Environmental Policy & Education provides space for the Commission’s environmental reviewers and information systems staff.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
PECK YEAH: Happy Monday! Here’s a male red-bellied woodpecker foraging at Batsto Village in the New Jersey Pinelands. I never tire of seeing or hearing this gorgeous species! ♥️🖤♥️ 📷: Paul Leakan, Pinelands Commission Communications Officer #woodpeckers #birds
A male red-bellied woodpecker scaling the trunk of a native black oak in the Pinelands. It has a bright red head.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Happy Sunday! Here’s a new view of a New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) blooming at our headquarters in Pemberton Township. New England asters are native to New Jersey, although they are not considered to be native to the Pinelands. 🦋 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #flowers
A cabbage white butterfly sipping nectar from the violet-pink flowers of a New England aster blooming at our headquarters in Pemberton Township, NJ.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Let’s ease into Saturday with new, vibrant views of skipper butterflies sipping on nectar in our rain garden in Pemberton Township. 🦋🌻 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #butterflies #gardening #raingarden #flowers
A sachem skipper butterfly perched on a narrowleaf sunflower bud. A sachem skipper sipping nectar from a bright yellow narrowleaf sunflower. A sachem skipper sipping nectar from the purple-lavender blooms of a showy aster. A sachem skipper sipping nectar from the purple-lavender blooms of a showy aster.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Today's view of sunflowers that were grown and donated by New Jersey Pinelands Commission member Jerry Irick 🌻 ... #sunflowers #sunflower #flowers
A handful of yellow and orange/brown sunflowers at the Commission's headquarters.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
We will never forget all who lost their lives during the attacks on September 11, 2001. Their light shines upon us … #september11th #neverforget #sept11
Sunbeams pouring through the treetops along a road in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest in the New Jersey Pinelands.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Happy Thursday! Here are new views of butterflies visiting our headquarters in Pemberton Township. Such a wonderful time of year!🦋🌼 📷: Paul Leakan, Pinelands Commission Communications Officer #butterflies #butterfly #nature #insects
Two skipper butterflies sipping nectar from bright yellow, native Maryland goldenasters in the Pinelands Commission’s rain garden. A black and orange pearl crescent butterfly resting on a native narrowleaf sunflower leaf. An orange, brown and yellow common buckeye butterfly sipping on the bright yellow flowers of native Maryland goldenasters.An iridescent blue red-spotted purple butterfly puddling on a gravel driveway at our office.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Feeling chipper on this fine Wednesday in the New Jersey Pinelands. Are you a fan of chipmunks? 🐿️ 📷: Paul Leakan, Pinelands Commission Communications Officer #chipmunks #chipmunksofinstagram #cute #wildlife
A chipmunk clutching a a fallen branch and staring ahead. A chipmunk laying flat on a fallen tree trunk. A chipmunk looking up while partly emerged from its burrow. A chipmunk that suddenly appeared from a tunnel behind a guardrail.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Happy Turtle Tuesday! Here's a new view of a native red-bellied turtle that was swimming in a pond in the New Jersey Pinelands. 🐢 📷: Paul Leakan, Pinelands Commission Communications Officer #turtle #turtlesofinstagram #turtlepower #wildlife
A native red-bellied turtle basking in a pond beside green lily pads.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
The NJ Pinelands Commission has issued its latest Monthly Report, which highlights the work of the agency’s staff during August 2026. Tap here to read the report: www.nj.gov/pinelands/in...
The Pinelands Commission has issued its latest Monthly Report, which highlights the work of the agency’s staff during August 2026. The front cover features a photo of white-tailed deer fawn foraging with its mother at Cloverdale Farm County Park in the Pinelands Area of Barnegat Township.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Happy Labor Day! It’s a great day to decompress while exploring and soaking in the serenity of the 1.1-million-acre Pinelands of southern New Jersey. Here’s a small sampling of September scenes in the Pinelands. Enjoy your day! 🌞🌼🌲 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #laborday #flowers #trees #wildlife
A sand driving trail at Whitesbog Village. Native flowers such as showy asters and goldenrod are growing at the banks of the bogs.An orange and black peck’s skipper butterfly perched on the petals of a rare Pine Barren gentian flower. Bright red and green leaves of a native black gum tree in the Pinelands. Red and orange leaves of a native sassafras tree in the Pinelands.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Happy Sunday! Here are new views of a spicebush swallowtail butterfly sipping nectar from native showy aster flowers in our rain garden in Pemberton Township. 🦋 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #flowers #insects #butterfly
A closeup of a spicebush swallowtail sipping nectar on a native showy aster flower. The butterfly sports black wings with blue and orange markings.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Enjoy your long weekend in the New Jersey Pinelands, wherever you explore … 🥾 📷: Paul Leakan, Pinelands Commission Communications Officer #forests #nature #trees #weekend
A sand road flanked by pines and oaks in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest in the New Jersey Pinelands.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Happy National Wildlife Day! Here’s a gallery of wildlife photographed in the 1.1-million-acre Pinelands National Reserve of southern New Jersey. 🐍 🐸 🐢 🐦 🐜 📷: John Bunnell, NJPC Chief Scientist #wildlife #nature #animals #conservation
A lime green native rough green snake with its mouth open. A colorful, native Pine Barrens treefrog calling in the Pinelands. This species is listed as threatened in New Jersey and receives special protection under the Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan. A native eastern tiger salamander. This species is yellow and black, and it is listed as endangered in New Jersey. It receives special protection under the Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan. A native eastern box turtle looking straight ahead.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
More than 40 people attended today’s presentation on frog diversity and adaptation at our headquarters in Pemberton Township, NJ. Presenter Christine Healy, a Research Scientist with the Pinelands Commission, discussed the incredible adaptations frogs have developed around the world. 🐸 #frogs
Presenter Christine Healy, a Research Scientist with the Pinelands Commission, discussed the incredible adaptations frogs have developed around the world. This photo shows a slide highlighting the native Pine Barrens treefrog, which is a threatened species in New Jersey.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
SADDLE UP: Here are new views of a saddleback caterpillar (Acharia stimulea) that was munching on the leaves of highbush blueberry shrubs at our office. 🐛 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #moths #insects #wildlife
Native to the eastern United States, the caterpillars are about an inch in length and sport a purple-brown saddle on its back, along with poisonous spines on the sides of its body, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).  “The poisonous spines are hollow and are connected to poison glands,” according to the USGS. “Contact with them causes a burning sensation and inflammation that can be as painful as a bee sting.”
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
BLOOMSCROLLING: Let’s fill our feeds with fall-blooming flowers photographed in the New Jersey Pinelands. 🌼 📷: Paul Leakan, Pinelands Commission Communications Officer #flowers #flora #butterflies #bees #insects
A macro photo of a rare, native Pine Barren gentian blooming in the Pinelands. They open their flowers in sunlight and close them at night. Native showy asters and Maryland goldenasters brighten the landscape with purple and yellow flowers. A bright orange variegated fritillary visits a bright yellow sunflower at a Pinelands farm. An American lady butterfly sips nectar from native New York aster flowers in the Pinelands. The butterfly is orange, black and white, while the flower has a yellow center and white-blueish petals.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
THAT’S NOT GILLIGAN: Let’s usher in our first Turtle Tuesday of September with a serene scene featuring a native eastern painted #turtle basking on what looks like an island surrounded by tea-colored cedar water in the New Jersey Pinelands. 🐢 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #wildlife #nature #water
A native eastern painted turtle basking on exposed sand in a tea-colored, cedar water pond in the Pinelands.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
BABY TIME: Today's view of native timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) babies in our science lab. Commission scientists captured six gravid timber #rattlesnakes in the Pinelands, and five have now given birth at the lab. 🐍 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #snakes #science
BABY TIME: Today's view of native timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) babies in our science lab. Commission scientists captured six gravid timber #rattlesnakes in the Pinelands, and five have now given birth at the lab. 🐍 

📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC 

#snakes #science
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
SWEET EMOTION: Native sweet goldenrod (Solidago odora) is blooming at our headquarters in the Pinelands Area of Pemberton Township, much to the delight of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. 🌼 🐝 #nativeplants #pollinators
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
HISTORIC TAVERN IN THE PINES - Happy Friday! Let’s take a step back in time with new photos of the historic Cedar Bridge Tavern in the Pinelands Area of Barnegat Township. The #tavern was built in 1816 and opened to the public in 2019 after undergoing renovations. 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #history
The #tavern was built in 1816 and opened to the public in 2019 after undergoing renovations. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The #tavern was built in 1816 and opened to the public in 2019 after undergoing renovations. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The #tavern was built in 1816 and opened to the public in 2019 after undergoing renovations. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The #tavern was built in 1816 and opened to the public in 2019 after undergoing renovations. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
RESTORING A PINELANDS GEM: The NJ Pinelands Commission continues to restore the historic Fenwick Manor farmhouse, which has served as office space for the agency’s staff since 1979. Contractors are preparing the surface of the building’s exterior by removing peeling paint. #history #restoration #nj
Contractors are preparing the surface of the building’s exterior, including removing the peeling paint by scraping and sanding.Contractors are preparing the surface of the building’s exterior, including removing the peeling paint by scraping and sanding.Contractors are preparing the surface of the building’s exterior, including removing the peeling paint by scraping and sanding.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
JOB OPPORTUNITY: The New Jersey Pinelands Commission’s Information Systems Office is seeking a qualified, full-time Management Information Systems Specialist to support day‑to‑day technology operations. Tap here to apply: www.nj.gov/pinelands/ab...
Native flowers blooming at the entrance of the Pinelands Commission’s headquarters.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
FLYING JEWEL: Here are new photos of American copper butterflies sipping nectar and resting on native Pinelands flowers in our rain garden in Pemberton Township, NJ. The American copper (Lycaena phlaeas) is a tiny resident of New Jersey. 🦋 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #butterfly #flowers
The American copper (Lycaena phlaeas) is a tiny resident of New Jersey, and it prefers to nectar on yellow, white, and light purple/violet flowers, according to the New Jersey Butterfly Club. Their wings are black, fiery orange, and gray-brown.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
BASK WHAT YOU CAN DO: Happy Turtle Tuesday! Here's a native red-bellied turtle basking beside native painted turtles in a pond in the New Jersey Pinelands, as photographed from a distance earlier this year. 🐢 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #wildlife #nature
A photo showing a native red-bellied turtle basking beside native painted turtles in a pond in the New Jersey Pinelands.Turtles are ectothermic (or cold-blooded), and they bask in the sun to help regulate their body temperature. They cool down in the water.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
CONK-LA-REE: Let's start our week with new views of a male red-winged blackbird that was belting out its song in the New Jersey Pinelands. 🐦 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #birds #birdphoto #wildlife
A male red-winged blackbird singing while perched on a native red maple branch in the Pinelands. It has black feathers with red and yellow shoulder patches.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Happy Sunday! Here’s a new gallery featuring fragrant water lilies (Nymphaea odorata) blooming in the New Jersey Pinelands. With flowers that start to appear in June and are usually white and rarely pink, this showy species covers ponds, lakes, and bogs. 🌸 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #flowers
With flowers that start to appear in June and are usually white and rarely pink, this showy species covers ponds, lakes, and bogs. 🌸With flowers that start to appear in June and are usually white and rarely pink, this showy species covers ponds, lakes, and bogs. 🌸
With flowers that start to appear in June and are usually white and rarely pink, this showy species covers ponds, lakes, and bogs. This photo shows a native carpenter frog perched on a lily pad.With flowers that start to appear in June and are usually white and rarely pink, this showy species covers ponds, lakes, and bogs. 🌸
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
MOMMIE DEER-EST: This sighting was so much fawn. For real, doe. Here are new photos of a white-tailed #deer fawn and her mother foraging in the New Jersey Pinelands. The mom munched on plants in and around a cranberry bog, while her fawn was standing nearby. 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #wildlife
A fawn foraging in the Pinelands. White-tailed deer fawns start to lose the white spots on their coat by the end of summer, according to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. The spots serve as camouflage, and each fawn has a unique pattern of spots, much like human fingerprints are unique. A doe eating cranberries in a bog while watching her fawn from a distance. White-tailed deer fawns start to lose the white spots on their coat by the end of summer, according to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. The spots serve as camouflage, and each fawn has a unique pattern of spots, much like human fingerprints are unique. A doe grazing on grass in the Pinelands.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
LOVE IS IN THE AIR: And on the leaf. Here are new photos of pearl crescent butterflies mating on a leaf in the New Jersey Pinelands. Pearl crescents have a wingspan of only about 1.3 inches, and they are extraordinarily beautiful and abundant. 🦋 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #insects #nature
Two orange and black pearl crescents mating on a red maple leaf in the New Jersey Pinelands
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Happy Thursday! Here’s a new gallery featuring one of the region’s most beautiful butterflies: the red-spotted purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax). I never tire of seeing them fluttering, sipping nectar, and puddling in the New Jersey Pinelands. 🦋 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #insect
A photo of a colorful red-spotted purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax) sipping from a fallen pawpaw fruit at the Pinelands Commission’s headquarters.A photo of a colorful red-spotted purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax) that landed on the photographer’s shoe.A photo of a colorful red-spotted purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax) sipping nectar from native common milkweed.A photo of a colorful red-spotted purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax) perched on a leaf in the Pinelands.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Happy World Photography Day in the New Jersey Pinelands! Here’s a small sampling of scenes photographed in the 1.1-million-acre Pinelands National Reserve of southern New Jersey. 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #wildlife #photography #nature #plants
A fiery sunrise over the Pinelands Atlantic white cedars flanking the 1808 trail in the Pinelands A foggy bog in the Pinelands An eastern towhee calling in the Pinelands
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
THE IRON GIANT: New York ironweed (Vernonia noveboracens) is blooming in the New Jersey Pinelands. This species is native to New Jersey and can be found in areas of the Pinelands. 🦋 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #flowers #plants #nature
New York ironweed can grow up to 6 feet tall and is topped by jaw-dropping, purple/magenta flowers that attract bees and butterflies from August through September. Birds eat their dried seeds, according to Jersey Friendly Yards. This one is attracting a silver-spotted skipper butterfly. New York ironweed can grow up to 6 feet tall and is topped by jaw-dropping, purple/magenta flowers that attract bees and butterflies from August through September. Birds eat their dried seeds, according to Jersey Friendly Yards. New York ironweed can grow up to 6 feet tall and is topped by jaw-dropping, purple/magenta flowers that attract bees and butterflies from August through September. Birds eat their dried seeds, according to Jersey Friendly Yards.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
HELLO, FRIEND: Happy Turtle Tuesday! Here's a new photo of a native eastern painted turtle basking on a log in the New Jersey Pinelands. 🐢 📷: Paul Leakan, Pinelands Commission Communications Officer #turtles #turtlelovers #reptiles #wildlife
A native eastern painted turtle basking on a log in the New Jersey Pinelands. It has a dark carapace and red markings on its neck, along with yellow on its head.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
🎶 WILD HORSEMINTS COULDN’T DRAG ME AWAY 🎶: And yet they did. Here are new photos of spotted horsemint (Monarda punctata) blooming in the New Jersey Pinelands. 🌸 🐝 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #flowers #nativeplants #bees
Also known as spotted beebalm, this species is native to New Jersey, and it boasts tubular flowers and aromatic, toothed leaves, grows to about 1-3 feet tall, and provides nectar for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, according to Jersey Friendly Yards.
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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
DO YOU KNOW JIMOTHY?: Happy Sunday! Christine Healy, a Research Scientist with the NJ Pinelands Commission, wasn’t expecting to see this trio of #raccoons as she stood on a bridge to collect water samples for the agency’s Pinelands-wide stream monitoring program last week. 🦝 #wildlife
Three raccoons heading toward water in the Pinelands.
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