More than one million acres of southern New Jersey fall within the borders of Pinelands National Reserve. There are 56 towns with 700,000 residents. Half the land is privately owned.

So what makes this place so special? Perhaps you have to experience it to understand.

Pinelands National Reserve lies atop one of the largest natural aquifers in the world. The Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer holds more than 17 trillion gallons of crystal clear H20 —enough fresh water to sustain half the people in the U.S. for an entire year.

All that water sustains forests, wetlands, and farmland and all the creatures that live here. It’s an ecosystem so unique that UNESCO designated this area an International Biosphere Reserve.

Hikers, campers, and horseback riders have plenty of space to explore in the pinelands. In winter, this is a prime location to cross-country ski.

Of course, some of the water makes its way to the surface in the form of streams that meander through the forests and farmland. The streams attract birds in search of tasty fish.

Grab your binoculars and an oar, set your canoe in the water, and get ready for a memorable day.

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