Whittemore is a beautiful nature preserve located just off Route 78, one of New Jersey’s major highways. But it’s a great destination for a Nature Break, offering plenty of trails, a sculpture garden and a beautiful pond and fountain.
In this video, we provide a closer look at the Whittemore nature preserve, why you should visit, and what to expect on your visit.
Whittemore is set on 180 acres of land on Rockaway Road in Tewksbury, just off Route 78. The nature preserve includes Whittemore Meadows and 11 miles of trails for hiking, walking your dog, and exploring nature. It’s also a popular destination to encounter nature and wildlife.
The Whittemore trails are open daily to the public from dawn to dusk, and feature wooded areas with wetlands, ravines, and hilly terrain. Parts of the trails can be muddy at times, so consider boots and dress accordingly.
The preserve was left to Tewksbury Township by Helen Whittemore, who wanted her land and house to inspire others with the beauty of nature and motivate them to preserve it. Whittemore features a Sculpture garden, with thematic and sustainable art blended into the natural environment to encourages visitors to marvel at the beauty our world and our place in it.
There’s also a community garden, where local residents can grow their own produce or flowers while following organic gardening practices. It’s part of a larger Garden Sanctuary filled with many beautiful flowers.
Whittemore is dedicated to environmental education and its theme of Community, Culture, and Conservation is reflected in a variety of programming for people of all ages. The Whittemore center features art shows, garden concerts, guided walks, and wellness & nature classes, and has an artist in residence. Its most recent art exhibit is called Bridging Nature, featuring small works from 40 artists.
My favorite experience at Whittemore is the pond at the entrance to the main campus, which features lots of greenery and a beautiful fountain. There are several benches to take in the scenery and enjoy the peaceful pond.
