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Ecological Forestry Practices at Merrill Creek Reservoir
Merrill Creek Reservoir (MCR) was once home to the Ruffed Grouse. However, over recent decades the Ruffed Grouse disappeared not only from MCR, but according to NJDFW, the Ruffed Grouse range has been shrinking dramatically in NJ (and in some areas of the State they...
Hot, High Humidity July Weather means – GRAY TREEFROG BREEDING TIME at MCR!
According to NJDFW, “The Northern Gray Treefrog spend most of its time high in the trees, except during breeding season when they are at the water’s edge. Bare horizontal branches over water are the preferred calling sites during breeding season. They breed in vernal...
MCR Bald Eagle Update – Eagles and Drones Do Not Mix!
MCR Eagle update: Our two pairs of nesting Eagles are still seen regularly bringing fish and snakes into both nests to feed young. Both nests hatched young very late this year and typically the young would have fledged by now, but they haven’t. It has been very...
Graduation Day for NJ Youth Corps of Phillipsburg at MCR! Congratulations!
Big Congratulations to the 2023 graduating class of the NJ Youth Corps of Phillipsburg! MCR is very proud to be working with NJYCP and we were honored to host a graduation ceremony for this outstanding local organization and its staff, students, families and friends!...
I’m The Map, I’m The Map, Map Turtle that is!
June is a time where many turtle species in NJ lay their eggs. Yesterday several Map Turtles were seen at MCR digging nests and laying eggs. The Common Map Turtle is found in the Delaware River and adjacent canals, rivers and in some large lakes from Warren County...
Bears and hiking with a dog off leash at MCR – NOT a good idea
Bears, Bears and more Bears at MCR! Lots of bear activity at MCR over the past few weeks which means it’s a good time to remind visitors how important it is to KEEP YOUR DOGS ON A LEASH at all times while you visit MCR. NOTE: shock collars are NOT a leash and are not...
Vandals cut native sumac trees on the slope at the IO Tower parking lot here at MCR – why?
Native vegetation is very important to both wildlife and to help with other ecosystem services on the landscape. Unfortunately, it was recently discovered that vandals cut native sumac trees on the slope at the IO Tower parking lot here at MCR. These plants are very...
The MCR Eagle that went VIRAL!
Amazing video was captured by a fisherman at MCR, Mr. Jacob Stem, of one of our resident eagles catching and ‘landing’ a very big fish! Since Jacob Stem's post of the MCR eagle, his video got over 35.2 million views! We currently are monitoring 2 nests at MCR that...
Fishing, fun, family and friends with The Arc of Warren County and MCR
A great morning of fishing, fun, family and friends was had by all this past Saturday at Merrill Creek Reservoir as the Merrill Creek Conservation & Sportsmen Association (MCCSA) hosted a fishing outing for The ARC of Warren County. Clients of The Arc enjoyed...
The MCR Squirrel Jacuzzi
Apparently MCR has a squirrel jacuzzi. This furry friend took “splooting” to a new level by relaxing pool-side and dipping half its body in the water at the top of the bubbling water feature in our bird feeder garden. Squirrels have adopted a unique way to cool off...