I previously posted about the Black Run Preserve (click to read post) and posted photos from a Black Run hike (click to see photos). I recently went for a visit and saw some excellent improvements to the entrance and new markings of various trails. Black Run Preserve will be developed as a multi-use space for non-motorized biking, hiking, nature and bird watching. There will be no camping or fires permitted.
Although the entrance is now gravel and includes a fence line to welcome you, the rest is presently left natural. There are talks of a parking lot and restrooms, but that is far off. For now, we get to enjoy it as a natural and pristine environment.
This land was, at one time, a cranberry bog. There is little that remains but what remains has created a very rich environment.
The trails are marked clearly and it is an easy walk through the South Jersey sandy soil.
Nature’s abound including wild berries such as blueberries, huckleberries and maybe even some cranberries.
This was interesting. Does anyone know why butterflies would huddle in one place on the trail?
Thanks for visiting! Come back again soon.
Trail-Hike-Life 
Not sure about the butterflies. That IS interesting. Looks like a wonderful place for a hike. 🙂
It is. And although I live in a suburban area, this is a saved piece of land 10 minutes from my house.
I think the butterflys are possibly finding a drink of liquid.off the stones.?
I have seen butterflies on a trail like that. There must have been a dozen. My friend and I were on a weekend trip and stopped and walked down the trail and saw them. It seemed almost magical/mystical. We had never seen it before or since. I don’t know why there were there like that. She got a picture, I really need to get a copy of it. They were beautiful!
It was kind of magical. There they were just sitting there. And they all flew off at the same time and fluttered around like in a movie.
Looks like a beautiful spot. I just saw a couple butterflies doing the same this weekend, cool, although my son insisted on catching them one by one as they rested…. catching butterflies is the latest fad among the neighborhood first graders.
I always thought the butterflies were collecting salts from moist soil, I think it’s called “puddling”. I’ll leave it up to you as to who moistened the soil and what they left behind, not knowing for sure is much more magical 🙂
🙂
Lovely place for a hike. I also love to go hiking to such places. Regarding butterflies I think they might be mating or about to, huh? 😉
I’ve seen the butterflies do that also, but never knew why!
Absolutely loved these photos. like to take nature photos on our Florida trails. Lovely. Thanks for sharing
Love the photos! There might have been moisture where the butterflies were huddling. Or poop! (I know that’s gross, but I’ve seen them do that.) Sorry I’ve been gone so long, hope you’re having a great summer.
A few people mentioned the moisture…from a variety of sources! Could be true. Thanks.