Dennis Creek Wildlife Management Area presents a rare opportunity to observe first-hand unique species of fish and birds within a natural salt marsh habitat. The area is primarily tidal wetlands with a few upland areas of forests and fields. Fauna specific to the region include black ducks, snow geese, teal, shorebirds, deer, woodcock, snipe, marine fish, blue claw crabs and quail. This WMA works hard to preserve the delicate tidal food web and maintain a sustainable environment for its diverse inhabitants.

There are several short trail paths throughout the Dennis Creek WMA. However, due to the nature of the tidal region, the ground is often soggy. Bird watchers are encouraged to visit. This site is home to numerous rare New Jersey birds who often spend considerable time near the Creek and its abundance of fresh food.

THROUGH THE SEASONS:  
Winter:  Each evening, the Northern Harrier that continually patrol the wetlands during daylight hours are replaced by Short-eared Owl, who in turn relinquish the territory back to the Northern Harrier at dawn. Rough-legged Hawk and Bald Eagle are commonly seen over the marsh or resting in the trees at the edge of the marshland. Red-tailed Hawk are ever present and Great Horned Owl can be heard calling nightly. A bit of patience may be required if it’s cold and windy, yet the rewards can be great.
Spring:  Two of the earliest migrating wood warblers, the Pine Warbler in early March and the Yellow-throated Warbler in early April, are often first seen here. These birds claim nesting sites in the tall white pine stand along Jake’s Landing Rd. At dawn and dusk almost nightly, the American Woodcock perform mating displays in the brushy fields on the east side of the road. Eastern Meadowlark and Clapper Rail begin to sing more insistently. Osprey arrive at the nest platforms in the wetlands.
Summer:  As the heat of summer picks up, Jake’s Landing can be distressingly “buggy.” Visitors should come equipped with bug spray and long-sleeved shirts. Many birds can be seen and/or heard at this time of year, including Seaside Sparrow, Marsh Wren, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Willet, Snowy and Great Egrets and Great Blue Heron. The dense woods and swamp forest along the road are alive with many species of summer residents — birds, snakes, frogs, turtles and butterflies.
Fall:  A great variety of migrating raptors may be seen over Jake’s Landing at this time of year, along with thousands of Snow Geese and Canada Geese, as well as Double-crested and Great Cormorants. Bufflehead and Pied-billed Grebe are often seen on Dennis Creek beginning in early November.