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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

The first photo shows a common gallinule, and the second shows its close relative, the American coot.

An American coot foraging. It sports bright red eyes.z

New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

LOVELY LIFER: Happy Sunday! Here are new views of a common gallinule (Gallinula galeata) that emerged from a marshy roadside before displaying less than stellar flying skills to cross a road in the Pinelands National Reserve. 🐦 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #birds #wildlife #nature

This is the first time I’ve seen this species. I wasn’t fully prepared for its sudden liftoff, but I was thrilled to see it! It immediately reminded me of its close relative, the American coot. Both are cute, chicken-like members of the rail family. “The Common Gallinule has long toes that make it possible to walk on soft mud and floating vegetation,” according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “The toes have no lobes or webbing to help with swimming, but the gallinule is a good swimmer anyway.” Have you seen common gallinules in the Pinelands? I don’t think they’re so common in these parts.

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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

ONE GOOD TERN: Deserves another? 🤔. Indeed, it does. Here’s a new gallery of Forster’s terns catching fish along Wildlife Drive at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in the Pinelands National Reserve. 🐦 🐠 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #birds #wildlife

Here’s a new gallery of Forster’s terns catching fish along Wildlife Drive at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in the Pinelands National Reserve. “These medium-sized white terns are often confused with the similar Common Tern, but Forster’s Terns have a longer tail and, in nonbreeding plumage, a distinctive black eye patch,” according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. This species was named in honor of German pastor and naturalist Johann Reinhold Forster. “Forster was one of the first accepted authorities on the animals of North America,” according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. “He was also the naturalist on the second voyage of James Cook (1772–1775), an around-the-world expedition designed to establish whether or not there was a large continent in the South Pacific, akin to the large landmasses of Eurasia and North America.” Have you seen Forster’s terns fishing this year? 🐟

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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

The NJ Pinelands Commission has issued its latest Monthly Report, which highlights the work of the agency's staff during September 2026. Tap here to read the report: www.nj.gov/pinelands/in...

The cover of the Pinelands Commission’s Monthly Report for September features a photo of native, rare slender rattlesnake-root blooming in the New Jersey Pinelands. It boasts delicate, white flowers and is one of 92 plant species that are listed as threatened or endangered and receive special protection under the Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan.

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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

More than 80 bird species feed on the berry-like cones of eastern red cedars, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Have you seen yellow-rumped warblers feasting on the small, blueish cones of eastern red cedars? 💛💛💛

A yellow-rumped warbler gobbling berry-like cones of an eastern red cedar tree.

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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

FOREST RUMP: Happy Warbler Wednesday! Here are new photos of yellow-rumped warblers (Setophaga coronata) feasting on the berry-like cones of eastern red cedars (Juniperus virginiana) at Batsto Village in the New Jersey Pinelands. 🐦 🌲 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #birds #warblers #nature

Here are new photos of yellow-rumped warblers (Setophaga coronata) feasting on the berry-like cones of eastern red cedars (Juniperus virginiana) at Batsto Village in the New Jersey Pinelands. “Yellow-rumped Warblers are perhaps the most versatile foragers of all warblers,” according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “They’re the warbler you’re most likely to see fluttering out from a tree to catch a flying insect, and they’re also quick to switch over to eating berries in fall.” More than 80 bird species feed on the berry-like cones of eastern red cedars, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Have you seen yellow-rumped warblers feasting on the small, blueish cones of eastern red cedars? 💛💛💛

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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

In 2021, Commission scientists started to radio-track eastern box turtles to learn how they move about the landscape, determine when they are active and which habitats they use, identify their hibernacula, and better understand their relationship with fire.

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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection lists the eastern box turtle as a Species of Special Concern because it is vulnerable to multiple threats, its distribution and population status in the state are not well understood, and it is potentially declining throughout its range.

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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Eastern box turtles are approximately 4.5 inches to 6 inches in length, can completely close their shell for protection, typically hibernate in the forest floor litter near the underlying sand, and eat a variety of plants, fungi, and small animals.

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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

TURTLE-Y COOL: Let’s shellebrate Turtle Tuesday in style with a gallery featuring native eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) in the New Jersey Pinelands. 🐢 📷: NJ Pinelands Commission staff (John Bunnell, Patrick Burritt and Paul Leakan) #turtles #wildlife #reptiles

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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

That Monday Feeling, as expressed by a bald eagle in the Pinelands National Reserve … perhaps not loving the end of yesterday’s game. 🏈 ☹️. That said, it is always exciting to see such a beautiful, majestic bird! 🦅 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #eagles #bird #baldeagle

A closeup of a bald eagle perched on a nest platform in the Pinelands National Reserve.

A wider view of a bald eagle perched on a nest platform in the Pinelands National Reserve National Reserve.

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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

SERENITY NOW: Let’s ease into Sunday with the sights and sounds of terns, egrets, cormorants, gulls, and other birds foraging at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in the Pinelands National Reserve, as recorded in the rain yesterday. 🐦 📷: Paul Leakan, NJPC #birds #nature

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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

HOG WILD: Happy Hogtober! Is that a thing? 🤔. It is now. Let’s celebrate Hogtober and Snake Saturday with a gallery of native eastern hognose #snakes in the New Jersey Pinelands. 🐍 📷: NJ Pinelands Commission staff

When feeling threatened, a hognose snake may flatten its body, spread the skin around its head and neck wide like a cobra, hiss loudly, and lunge, pretending to strike. They may also play dead and roll onto their back (as shown in this photo), open their mouth, stick out their tongue, and vomit.

Sometimes called a “puff adder,” the eastern hognose snake (Heterodon platirhinos) is a harmless, thick-bodied snake with an upturned snout that is used for digging. Their body color can vary widely from solid black to a combination of yellow, brown, and/or red. When feeling threatened, a hognose snake may flatten its body, spread the skin around its head and neck wide like a cobra, hiss loudly, and lunge, pretending to strike.

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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Here’s a video of a Pine Barrens treefrog calling, as recorded by Commission Research Scientist Christine Healy earlier this year … Quonk!

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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

The Pine Barrens treefrog is listed as a threatened species in New Jersey and receives special protection under the Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan. Have you ever seen or heard this species?

This small, emerald green frog with cream edging and yellow and orange patches under its limbs is found only in small portions of five coastal plain states. Although they breed in many habitat types, Pine Barrens treefrogs are most abundant near the shallow, acidic ponds characteristic of the region. Males vocalize to attract a female, he climbs onto her back in a position called amplexus, they move to the water together, and he fertilizes her eggs and she lays them in the water.

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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Happy Frog Friday! Let’s celebrate in style with a gallery featuring colorful, adorable, native Pine Barrens treefrogs (Dryophytes andersonii) in the New Jersey Pinelands! 🐸 📷: John Bunnell, NJPC Chief Scientist #frogs #wildlife #nature

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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

“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 … 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 · 01/10/2026

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. 👻

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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

New England asters are native to New Jersey, although they are not considered to be native to the Pinelands.

A closeup view of a gray and black soybean looper moth (Chrysodeixis includens) sipping nectar from New England asters (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) at our office.

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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.

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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

I've only seen it twice: once with spotted turtles and once with snapping turtles.

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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata) can be up to 4.5 inches long, and they are found throughout New Jersey. They are omnivores that can live more than 65 years, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Closeup of a spotted turtle. It has yellow spots on its carapace (top shell) and red spots on its body.

A spotted turtle yawning while basking in the Pinelands.

A spotted turtle basking in a pond in the Pinelands

Two spotted turtles that appear to be vying for space to bask on a log.

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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

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.

Featuring bright yellow blooms, 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 · 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.

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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

The mothers and baby rattlesnakes were released at the gestation sites where they were found, except for the one snake that has 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 · 26/09/2026

Pinelands Commission scientists captured six gravid timber rattlesnakes in the New Jersey Pinelands this summer, and five snakes gave birth at the lab. Timber rattlesnakes are a venomous species. They are listed as endangered in New Jersey and receive special protection in the Pinelands.

A Commission scientist catching a native gravid timber rattlesnake in the Pinelands. Pinelands Commission scientists captured six gravid timber rattlesnakes in the New Jersey Pinelands this summer, and five snakes gave birth at the lab.

Scientists measured and weighed the baby snakes, and each were fitted with a passive integrated transponder, or PIT tag, which is a tiny microchip inserted beneath the ventral scales on their belly that allows permanent identification of the snakes. These are the same type of microchips that are used for cats and dogs. Scientists attached an external radio transmitter on the mother rattlesnakes, which are being radio tracked as part of the Commission’s ongoing study of rare snakes.

The mothers and baby rattlesnakes were released at the gestation sites where they were found, except for the one snake that has two heads. Because it is unlikely to survive long in the wild, the two-headed snake will live and receive care in captivity.y

A timber rattlesnake that gave birth in our lab.

Baby timber rattlesnakes with their mother at our science lab.

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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

Pine Barren gentians are among 92 plant species that are listed as threatened or endangered and receive special protection under the Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan, as administered by the NJ Pinelands Commission.

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. Pine Barren gentians are among 92 plant species that are listed as threatened or endangered and receive special protection under the Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan, as administered by the NJ Pinelands Commission. Have you seen Pine Barren gentians in the Pinelands this year? No locations, please! 💙💙💙

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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

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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

The sturdy, reusable, cotton grocery/market tote bag is 100% made in the USA and features an image of the Jersey Devil in a Pinelands swamp, along with the message “Protect the Pinelands.” They are perfect for trick-or-treating or displaying your Pinelands pride.

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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

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.

Closeup of rare, native slender rattlesnake-root flowers. This species is classified as imperiled in New Jersey because of its rarity (6 to 20 occurrences), according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

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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.

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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

The globally rare Pine Barren gentians are blooming, and the sassafras, red maples, and black gums have started to liven the landscape with vibrant hues of red, orange, and burgundy. Are you excited for cooler weather and fall foliage?

Native, globally rare Pine Barren gentians are a stunning fall bloomer in the Pinelands.

Native black gum leaves are already turning in the Pinelands.

A winding sand road in Wharton State Forest in the Pinelands, as photographed in the fall.

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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 northern pine snake in a tree in the Pinelands.

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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Northern pine snakes are non-venomous constrictors that can grow more than six feet in length. They are listed as a threatened species in New Jersey. The more we learn about rare snakes in the Pinelands, the better we can protect them. Have you seen pine snakes in trees in the Pinelands?

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New Jersey Pinelands Commission @pinescommission.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Pinelands Commission Research Scientist Christine Healy radio tracked Mojave (aka, Mo) in the Pinelands for a little more than a year as part of a Commission study and recorded this video earlier this year on the day that Mojave was retired from the study and released.

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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

Seeing so many pollinators in the Pinelands this week!

A skipper butterfly sipping nectar from a native narrowleaf sunflower in our rain garden.

A skipper butterfly sipping nectar from native showy asters in our rain garden.

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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.

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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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