Synopsis
Wild New Jersey: Nature Adventures in the Garden State by David Wheeler is a vibrant and immersive exploration of New Jersey’s surprisingly rich and diverse natural landscapes, challenging the stereotype of the state as merely an urban or industrial hub. Published in 2011 by Rivergate Books, the book chronicles Wheeler’s year-long journey across the state, where he, an experienced naturalist, embarks on a quest to uncover the hidden wilderness and ecological treasures of the Garden State. With a compelling narrative style, Wheeler invites readers to join him on a thrilling adventure through mountains, valleys, beaches, pine barrens, caves, rivers, marshlands, and other breathtaking landscapes, showcasing New Jersey as one of the most ecologically diverse states for its size in America. Guided by charismatic wildlife biologists and local conservationists, Wheeler paints a vivid picture of the state’s natural wonders, blending in-depth background details with an eye for the offbeat, making this the first nature book to fully capture the glory of New Jersey’s unlikely wilderness.
The narrative is driven by Wheeler’s firsthand encounters with the state’s remarkable wildlife and ecosystems, which he describes with a sense of awe and enthusiasm. From the fastest animal on earth—a peregrine falcon—dive-bombing from the skies to a young black bear bounding up a mountain trail just yards away, Wheeler’s experiences are both exhilarating and intimate. He navigates through swirling poisonous snakes, witnesses thousands of bats careening past in a pitch-black roost, and observes pods of dolphins swimming by in droves. These encounters are not just fleeting moments but are woven into a broader narrative that highlights the resilience of New Jersey’s natural areas despite centuries of development. Wheeler’s adventures include kayaking through the Meadowlands with the Empire State Building in view, panning for Cretaceous fossils in a brook once home to mastodons and giant sloths, riding a fishing boat in the frigid winter seas in search of Atlantic puffins, trudging through a bog on a mysterious night hike, and even dogsledding across alpine slopes inhabited by porcupines and bobcats. Each experience underscores the unexpected wildness that persists in a state often overshadowed by its urban reputation.
Beyond the thrilling escapades, Wild New Jersey serves as a celebration of the state’s environmental triumphs and ongoing conservation efforts. Wheeler highlights the human endeavors over the past four decades to protect open spaces and restore ecosystems, from the pristine heart of the Pinelands to the ecological rehabilitation of Superfund sites. The book captures the stakes of these efforts, emphasizing the importance of preserving New Jersey’s natural heritage in the face of escalating land development and climate change. Through his engaging storytelling, Wheeler challenges the notion that New Jersey is merely a crowded, overdeveloped stretch of toxic sites, instead revealing a “Noah’s Ark” of fascinating creatures and landscapes that inspire pride and wonder. Critics, including former Governor James Florio and New Jersey Audubon Society President Tom Gilmore, praise the book as a page-turner that not only entertains but also motivates readers to explore the state’s wild places themselves, whether by boating in the Meadowlands, hiking the Appalachian Trail, or wandering the Pinelands.
Wheeler’s credentials as a naturalist and conservationist lend authenticity to the narrative. As the founder of the daily wildlife blog WildNewJersey.tv and a former environmental columnist for The Star-Ledger, he brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the page. His role as the Executive Director of the Conserve Wildlife Foundation since 2012 further underscores his commitment to the state’s biodiversity, which is reflected in the book’s call to action for readers to engage with and protect New Jersey’s natural areas. Wild New Jersey is not just a recounting of adventures but a transformative journey that reshapes perceptions of the state, encouraging readers to see the treeline behind the skyline and hear the wild birds beyond the traffic’s roar. With its blend of adventure, insight, and advocacy, the book stands as a testament to the enduring strength and beauty of New Jersey’s wilderness, inspiring readers to embark on their own outdoor explorations.