Parvin State Park is located in the eastern part of Salem County, along Rte. 540, approximately 6 miles west of Vineland. It comprises a large central lake (Parvin Lake) used for swimming and recreational activities, a smaller lake (Thundergust), forests and wetlands and camping facilities (both cabin and tent camping). The land was acquired in 1930 by the state and in 1933 the Civilian Conservation Corps began working on the park's facilities including a series of cabins that rim Thundergust Lake.

The park has an interesting "non-birding" history. During WWII some of the facilities were used to provide a summer day camp for the children of Japanese workers, displaced from their homes, who worked at the nearby Seabrook Farms. In 1944 German prisoners of war from Fort Dix were relocated to Parvin where they lived while working on local farms and at the food processing plant.

The total area consists of 1,137 acres of which approximately 400 forested acres are designated as a "natural area". These woods are primarily Pineland oak-pine and swamp hardwood forests. There are several miles of foot trails that wind through an array of habitats. 50 known species of tree, 61 different species of woody shrubs and 17 species of ferms and mosses have been recorded on the property. The Muddy Run Creek, which was dammed to create the 2 lakes, runs through the proptery.

BIRDING:
176 species of birds are documented on a checklist compiled by Paul E. Taylor, Naturalist and Joe Merlino, available at the Interpretive Center; most are migrants but there are many nesting summer birds including Prothonotary, Black & White, Kentucky and Hooded Warblers, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Acadian Flycatcher, Scarlet and Summer Tanager and Barred Owl.

The best birding is on the western side of the property which has been designated as a Natural Area and spring is the best time. By June, migration is over, the vegetation gets very dense and the bugs can get intense. In fall the migration resumes but the dense vegetation may make it difficult to see.

An extensive system of trails leads out from the parking lot at Second Landing Road. Keep in minds that in springtime especially, many of these trails can be quite wet so bring appropriate footwear.

See Bill Boyle's book, A Guide to Bird Finding in New Jersey for more details.
You can also check out NJ Parks and Forests and Parvin State Park

DIRECTIONS:
From Rt 55 South: Take Exit # 35 (Garden Road/Rt 674) and go west to Rt. 645 (approx. 2 miles). Turn left onto Rt 645 and go another 2 miles to the intersection with Rt 540 (Centerton/Norma Road). Turn right and go approx. 1.2 miles to Second Landing Road ( a small paved road on your left that leads to a small parking area). Note: This road is gated and may be locked if you arrive before 8AM. Park along the road being careful not to block the gate.

{See DeLorme 62, L-6}