The Pohatcong Creek winds thirty miles through Warren County from its source just west of Hackettstown to the Delaware River south of Phillipsburg, following another of the many Appalachian ridges that run across Northwest New Jersey. Its watershed lies parallel and between those of the Musconetcong River to the south and the Pequest to the north. Just about halfway along its route down the to Delaware Valley, the river crosses State Route 31 between Oxford and Washington Borough. As it approaches Mine Hill Road, butting up to Round Top Mountain, the river enters Washington Township Park, part of the Pohatcong Creek Natural Area, and home to the Pohatcong Native Arboretum.
The proliferation of non-native species of flora and fauna in New Jersey has long been a concern for ecologists, especially in our fragile wetlands where a sustainable natural balance is imperative. Conservancies all over the state are reestablishing native species wherever they can. Here at the arboretum, visitors can see exactly what some of those plants are.
The arboretum was eleven years in the making; students from the Warren Hills Regional High School planted the first trees here in 2002. Since then, in fits and starts, but always under the guidance of local botanist and native plant specialist, the Pohatcong Arboretum has become home to an ever-expanding collection of over 150 species of native trees and shrubs.
In a fenced-in, deer proof, area specimens are organized by family and planted in raised beds covered with glacial stones; some from the Delaware River, some from the mountain. Signs identify each plant family by their familiar name: Dogwood rather than Cornaceae; Rose rather than Rosaceae, Hydrangea, Birch, Laurel, Maple, Heath, Hazelnut, Ash. The “energetic center” of the project, the Circle of Life, incorporates native American Indian spiritual aspects, contributed by designer “Seneca” Jeff Stevens, who oriented plants in ways they grow naturally, included markers for the compass directions, and added a beautiful sculpture reminiscent of a dream catcher.
The exhibition rises up the hill out of the fenced area with new plantings of oak, ash, American chestnut, beech, even a Jersey pine. There is also the Robert Rush Memorial log cabin, which has been assigned for future use by Warren County Arts. Then it’s on into the woods for a 1.8 mile trail loop along the creek and through the wetlands along boardwalks constructed, again by students. More natives: a cherry here, a black walnut there, and a big old tulip tree. Did you ever walk in the woods and wonder exactly what each and every plant within sight was? A trip here gets you started!
The arboretum, located at 56 Mine Hill Rd, Washington, is open daily during daylight hours.
Local roots!
The Centenary Stage Company produces professional equity theatre and also a wide variety of top-flight musical and dance events throughout the year.
Millbrook Village, part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, is a re-created community of the 1800s where aspects of pioneer life are exhibited and occasionally demonstrated by skilled and dedicated docents throughout the village
Guided fly fishing excursions, beginner to expert, instruction also available. Catch trout in spring, smallmouth bass in summer, ice fishing in winter. Explore the Paulinskill, Flatbrook and wild trout streams.
The 8,461 acre park includes the 2500-acre Deer Lake Park, Waterloo Village, mountain bike and horseback trails.
