Butterflies of Lakehurst, Ocean County, New Jersey

DIRECTIONS: This site consists of two spots that should be checked. (1) To reach Lakehurst Bog and the surrounding fields, take the Garden State Parkway south to Exit 88, Route 70. Go west on 70 towards Lakehurst. After approximately 8 miles, just after the intersection with Route 37, you'll come into Lakehurst. At a light, turn left onto Center Street and take the second left onto Union Street. Go east on Union Street for a couple of blocks and turn into a paved parking lot on the right. If you cross the tracks and pass a post office on your right, you've gone too far. To reach the bog, you need to walk southwest along the straight tracks for approximately 1/3 mile (be careful crossing the wooden bridge) and turn left into a poorly marked path along a dike. After 400-500 ft find a way to get off the dike and into the bog on your right. Boots are necessary. (2) To reach the milkweed fields on Route 547, take Route 547 north from Lakehurst for about three miles to a small parking area on the right shoulder of the road. Park here and cross the road to the other side (west) to a trail through the wooded area, which shortly reaches the field. Part of this field was recently developed into a golf course.

HABITAT: Bog, oak/pine woods, and milkweed fields on relatively sandy soil.

BUTTERFLY LIST:

Abbreviations are:
A, abundant, likely to see more than 20 individuals per visit to the right spot at the right time
C, common, likely to see 4-20 individuals per visit to the right spot at the right time
U, uncommon, likely to see 0-3 individuals per visit to the right spot at the right time
R, rare, unlikely to see any individuals even at the right spots at the right time
S, stray, vagrant, not seen most years

E, early in month
M, middle of month
L, late in month

Numbers refer to months. For example, the second species, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, is uncommon to common from late April through early September.

BEST TIME AND SPOTS TO VISIT: Mid-June to mid-July

SPECIALTIES: Bog Copper, Hairstreaks, Georgia Satyr, Horacešs Duskywing, Two-spotted Skipper.

NOTES: There are diners and fast food restaurants in Lakehurst, right at the intersection between Route 72 and Center Street.