Thomas F. Breden Preserve at Milford Bluffs
Holland Township, Hunterdon County
Preserve Info
Overlooking the Delaware River from the top of a high cliff is the Thomas F. Breden Preserve at Milford Bluffs. The preserve is named in memory of Thomas F. Breden, former Administrator of the Office of Natural Lands Management and Executive Director of the New Jersey Natural Lands Trust.
The preserve, most enjoyed for its breath-taking views of the Delaware River and beyond, is considered a destination to many. The Preserve is a balanced mix of forest and fields, and the hot dry microclimates on the high westward facing red shale bluff. A curiosity for Hunterdon County, but not rare within the state, are the prickly pear cactus found growing roadside at the base of the cliff. The Trust is responsible for the management of the preserve, which sits atop this plateau and includes woodlots, old fields and a hemlock-shaded trout stream. With a focus on management of the field habitat, the Trust pursued a grant funding from the USDA, Natural Resource Conservation Service’s Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program, establishing a warm season grass and mowing rotation compatible for wildlife. Today, with cooperation from a local farmer, late season hay mowing benefits grassland songbirds such as the bluebird, meadowlark and bobolink that find the high grass to their liking.
Public Access and Uses
Driving north on Route 519 from the town of Milford, visitors must look carefully for the left-hand turn up a narrow dirt drive. Once on the drive, parking and a trailhead are found on the left. The Trust allows registration for deer hunting at this preserve.
