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Over the course of the years I have found myself more and more stumped and fascinated (as well as revolted) by the sheer number of tick encounters that I've had in the Pine Barrens. I long assumed that the concentration of ticks was not greater in the Pines, but that they were questing...

I thought the folks here might like to read this: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/long-forgotten-research-unearths-new-mystery-about-lyme-disease/

Hi Folks, I'm looking for info on sightings of pickerel frogs (especially adults!) within the Pine Barrens, especially the core Pine Barrens. Would you mind sharing info if you've seen them? Exact locations are not necessary if there is concern about sensitive areas. My reasoning in short; I'm...

Hi Folks, I was wondering if anyone knew of a resource that they could refer me to for a complete list of NJ's (not general North American) bladderworts? I'm looking to improve my ID skills for them and found myself stumped many times in the past. I wanted to refrain from buying another...

I came across this article about blacklegged (deer) ticks and their questing behavior in Northeastern and Midwestern vs. Southeastern United States. It seems that there is a correlation between the higher incidences of Lyme disease, and aggressive questing on top of leaf litter. I think that...

Hi Folks, Here's my 2015 end-of-the-year herp thread to share our finds, enjoy! First vernal pool activity of the year, with wood frogs, alone, in amplexus, and in mating balls: The operation was a success: ... a later shot of the eggs hatching. See the tadpoles? They are feeding on...

Hi Folks, I've been reading about this recently and wanted to share. Although I understand the merits in theory, I cannot commit to being for the idea, as I see the potential for at least a few major issues with it. That being said, I'm fascinated by this and am interested in hearing the...

I realize that this is way off-topic, and I rarely get fired up about movies, but this looks phenomenal: Teaser trailer: I opted for this trailer over the other, longer one that gives more of the story away. The scenery (much of it shot in BC) looks amazing and it's not greenscreened. The...

Hey Folks, I was poking around the Pine Barrens yesterday and came across some canid tracks that looked more to me like a large dog than a coyote (track was rounder), however there were no human tracks around and the track width (straddle) was very narrow and the path was very deliberate...

Hi Folks, I came across this article today: http://www.nj.com/healthfit/index.ssf/2015/06/tick-borne_illness_first_diagnosed_in_hunterdon_wo.html#incart_2box_nj-homepage-featured In it, it describes the disease Borrelia miyamotoi, which I believe we discussed on here at least a year ago...

Hi Folks, I wanted to ask if I could request some help from the members here. The help that I am requesting is regarding the timing of the breeding patterns in a few Pine Barrens frog species. The thread by Whippoorbill that has recently resurfaced has gotten me interested. Can anyone share...

Hi Folks, I wanted to share some photos that I've taken this year and last of some of the herps in our state. I'm doing a lot of studying of these species, as one day I hope to become more involved in their conservation, so I am sharing a little blurb about each one. Hope you all enjoy this...

Very sorry to read this news: http://www.nj.com/passaic-county/index.ssf/2014/09/edison_man_22_found_dead_in_west_milford_after_bear_encounter.html#incart_m-rpt-1

Over the past few weeks I've had the pleasure of being able to photograph a pine barrens tree frog, as well as a few specimens of the new population of green tree frogs in Salem County. They are beautiful creatures and are a joy to observe and hear in the field. Many thanks to Al for his...

Hi Folks, I was over at Pakim Pond the other day with my younger son, and we saw a few cool wildflowers. These were unknown, could anyone please help ID them? This was my younger son's first father-son hike in the Pine Barrens (he's 3 years old). He loved it and ran so far ahead of...

Hi Folks, I've been doing some reading about the breeding population of green tree frogs in Salem County. I can't help but to wonder if there would be any consequence for pine barrens tree frogs if the range of green tree frogs expanded into the PBTF habitats? I think that, genetically, they are...

My son loves the woods, but most of the time we go to the mountains or to local spots in Mercer County. He fell in love with the Pine Barrens on our first visit, just like his dad did many years ago. I thought that his sense of wonder was captured just a bit with this picture:

I always appreciate the good folks on here, the stories, advice, wisdom, etc. Thanks for everything! Hope you and yours have a safe and very happy Christmas!

I realize that this has nothing to do with the Pine Barrens proper, but since we have so many endangered and sensitive species, and since poaching occurs in our state, I wanted to share this article (via YouTube through The Weather Channel):

This is more in Ben's neck of the woods than in the Pines, but I thought that this would be of interest. I know that lions have been discussed here several times over the years. Interesting if true...