Things to See & Do
Wild & Scenic Rivers
Maurice River Township includes all four of the designated Wild and Scenic rivers - portion of the Maurice, the Menantico, the Manumuskin, and the Muskee Creek. Each has its own unique characteristics. Of particular interest, the Manumuskin drainage basin harbors thirty-two rare plants, making it one of the most botanically significant areas in New Jersey. The reptile and mammal diversity is unusual, and 15 of New Jersey's 25 threatened and endangered bird species breed here.
Birding
- Shorebird migration in May at the Delaware Bay towns of Moore's Beach, East Point and Thompson's Beach.
- Neotropical songbird migration, both spring and fall, around East Point.
- Autumn raptor migration around East Point/Delaware Bay.
- Wintering waterfowl and raptors, especially large populations of bald eagles on the Maurice River.
- Nesting bald eagles hunting the Maurice from early spring through summer.
- The osprey colony project, established by Citizens United; approximately 27 active nests along the Maurice.
Wildlife Management Areas
- Heislerville and Corson Fish and Wildlife Management Areas, near Heislerville and Matt's Landing.
- Peaslee Wildlife Management Area, containing much of the headwaters of the Manumuskin River and Muskee Creek; typical Pine Barrens flora and fauna; includes Cumberland Pond on Route 49.
- Menantico Wildlife Management Area, at the head of the Menantico River.
Preserves
- The Manumuskin Preserve, a 3,200 acre parcel owned by the Nature Conservancy, is home to numerous threatened and endangered species. Hikes and other interpretive activities are offered by The Nature Conservancy (609-861-0600).
- Estuary Enhancement Area, owned my P.SE&G. and managed by The Nature Conservancy on Thompson's Beach Road.
- The Nature Conservancy can be reached at 856-861-0600 or visiting their local office at:
2350 Route 47
Eldora, NJ
Boating & Marinas
- Spring Garden Marina
67, 71 Spring Garden Road
Port Elizabeth
Phone: 865-825-5334 - Yank Marine Services, LLC
487 Main Street
Dorchester
Phone: 856-785-0100
- Boat World Marina
67, 69 River Road
Leesburg
Phone: 856-785-9878 - Anchor Marina
108 Matt's Landing Road
Heislerville
Phone: 856-785-9899
- Haase's Marina in Heislerville
Phone: 856-785-7001 - Popeye's Marina
140 Matt's Landing Road
Heislerville
Phone: 856-785-2331 - Barnacle Bill's Boat Storage and Supplies
4584 Route 47
Delmont
Historic Villages & Structures
- Dorchester - mid 1600's (by Swedish), has been a shipbuilding town for over 200 years.
- East Point Lighthouse - built in 1849. Last remaining lighthouse on the Cumberland County Delaware bayshore. Maintained by Maurice River Historical Society and frequent subject for artists.
- Heislerville - late 1700's.
- Leesburg - late 1700's.
- Port Elizabeth - 1785.
Family Restaurants & Take-Out
- George’s Pizzeria
654 Main Street
Leesburg, NJ 08327
Phone # 856-785-0700 - Maurice River Diner
3830 Route 47
Millville, NJ 08332
Phone #856-327-4433 - Papa Luighi’s
3890 Route 47
Dorchester, NJ 08316
Phone #856-825-4955