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Backscratcher, Backscratcher!
The next time when visiting Merrill Creek Reservoir notice the condition of the utility poles along Fox Farm Road and Richline Road. Many of the poles appear to have been “chopped” at and damaged about three to six feet above ground. On closer examination you will...
Summer Fun at MCR with the Sensory Trail and Tree Finder Game!
As summer approaches and you may find yourself looking for something fun for the kids -check out Merrill Creek Reservoir’s Sensory Trail and Tree Finder Game! What is a sensory trail you say? A sensory trail is a path designed to engage multiple senses, often used to...
Anting Behavior Witnessed at MCR!
A Red-tailed Hawk was observed by MCR staff using ants to help preen its feathers! The hawk was filmed sitting on an ant hill and moving around on the hill to allow the ants to crawl over its body. This unique maintenance behavior called “anting” involves the bird...
Accidents Will Happen – When Birds Don’t Read Their Range Maps
With the return of the migrating Snow Geese to Merrill Creek Reservoir this past week, three other goose species from the far north were found to be tagging along with the flock. Specifically, a Pink-Footed Goose, a Greater White Fronted Goose, and several Cackling...
Merrill Creek Reservoir is now a Lunker Bass Waterbody – Changes to Fishing Regulations for Bass and Lake Trout at MCR
As per the new 2026 NJDEP Fishing Regulations, NJDEP has designated Merrill Creek Reservoir as a Lunker Bass Waterbody. What does that mean? Well for one, MCR HAS BIG BASS! But to help manage the fisheries MCR is now subject to the Lunker Bass regulation set, which...
Don’t Leave Them High and Dry: The Importance of Winter Water for Birds
During these cold months of winter, access to unfrozen water is key to the survival of birds. Birds typically need to drink at least twice daily to maintain metabolism, even in winter. When necessary, as a “last-resort, birds can and do eat snow, but it is not ideal...
The Batman
Merrill Creek Reservoir would like to thank and congratulate Michael Cole of BSA Troop 175 of Port Murray for his hard work and dedication to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout! Michael’s Eagle Scout project involved him building a Bat Roosting structure. This specially...
The Snow Goose – Familiar Winter Visitor to MCR
Merrill Creek Reservoir (MCR) has long been known as an important wintering/roosting area for many migratory waterfowl species. If fact, in 2005 MCR was designated as an “Important Bird & Biodiversity Area” (IBBA) primarily for this reason. An IBBA is a globally...
Winter is a Time for Woodpeckers at MCR!
Winter is a great time to see woodpeckers! With the leaves off trees and bird feeders (especially suit feeders) filled, many of NJ’s woodpecker species can be easily seen pretty much everywhere across the state! In fact, in winter, NJ gets some migrant woodpeckers...
Late Bloomers – Critical for Pollinators
With one-third of humankind’s food and even greater proportion of the food for much of our wildlife relying to some degree on pollinators, flowers that bloom late in the summer and persist into fall become critical for the survival of these important animals....
Merrill Creek Reservoir
34 Merrill Creek Road
Washington, NJ 07882
(908) 454-1213 (ph)
(908) 454-2747 (f)
Play MCR's Tree Finder Game!
Along the trails at MCR there are 9 different individual trees that have FACES. More Info...
