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Trail Guides
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Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
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197 Lighthouse Rd., Pennsville, NJ 08070
Phone: (609) 463-0994
www.fws.gov/supawnameadows/
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
From Route 49 in Salem, drive
West heading toward Pennsville. After 2.1
miles from the edge of Salem, turn Left onto CR 632/Lighthouse Rd. Follow Lighthouse Rd.
for 2.3 miles to Old Fort Mott Rd. and turn Left. The Supawna Meadows National Wildlife
Refuge office is the white building located on your Left. Map
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| American Kestrel | Kevin Karlson |
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| | Supawna Meadows NWR is
a stunning location any time of year. The 2,800-acre site is located just north of the Salem River and is part of the internationally recognized Delaware River estuary. Its central location and predominance of brackish tidal marsh make it a critical stop for migratory birds resting and
feeding each spring and fall. It is also important foraging territory for nesting birds, especially those from nearby Pea Patch Island (see Fort Mott). Supawna’s grassland habitats
are managed to attract and maintain populations of American Woodcock and American Kestrel. In addition, sandpipers and other shorebirds use the refuge marshes as a feeding area during the summer and during the migration
seasons. Although the Refuge's office is currently closed, feel free to explore the Grassland Trail from the large parking area on Lighthouse Road or proceed to the corner of Christmas Tree Lane and Fort Mott Road to begin the Forest Habitat Trail.
Supawna Meadows NWR is home to many wintering waterfowl including American Black Duck, Mallard, Northern Pintail and
Green-winged Teal and Wood Duck.
Warblers, sparrows and other migratory birds rest and feed at the refuge. Look for American Kestrel actively hunting for small rodents in the scrub field right off the main entrance on Lighthouse Road.
A wide variety of birds nest at Supawna Meadows including Bald Eagle, Osprey,
Northern Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Barn Owl, warblers and sparrows. Nest boxes have improved the success of both Wood Duck and American Kestrel. Wildflowers bloom in the
open fields, attracting a broad selection of
butterflies. In addition, thousands of Tree Swallows arrive to forage at the refuge in the late summer, gathering in large numbers before continuing their migration.
The refuge’s fall colors provide a beautiful backdrop for wildlife viewing. In addition to an abundance of birds, Supawna Meadows is home to interesting mammals, such as foxes, muskrats and raccoons. Also, keep an eye out for snakes, frogs and turtles as they can be seen along the edges of the marsh, basking in late autumn sun.
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