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Divine Park Nature Walk
compiled by Bonnie DuBois
| Spring Lake is a fresh water lake located at approximately sea level, with a size of 16 acres, a maximum depth of 8 feet, and an average depth of 5 feet. Its source is the numerous springs for which the lake is named, and it drains into the Atlantic Ocean. The lake and surrounding park provide the habitat for fish, birds, plants, small woodland animals, and water insects.
Please take our online Divine Park Nature Walk by clicking the navigation bar (above) for The Trees of Divine Park, The Birds of Divine Park. |
THE TREES OF DIVINE PARK
The trees are an important part of this park. They not only add to its beauty, but cool the air by absorbing and reflecting the sun and filtering impurities from the air. They are also windbreaks and noise buffers. By softening rainfall, they help the soil absorb the water. Their roots hold topsoil and help prevent erosion. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen.
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WHITE OAK
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This tree has light gray scaly bark and leaves with rounded lobes. Its acorns are sweet and edible. They were boiled by Native Americans for food. The white oak has a hard durable wood which is used for lumber. It is often used for floors, barrels, railroad ties, furniture, and fence posts.
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PIN OAK
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The leaves of this tree have 5 to 9 bristle-tipped lobes. Its acorn requires two years to mature. Because of frequent knots, it is used for rough lumber. It is a very desirable shade tree.
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SASSAFRAS
This is a small tree with bright green twigs and leaves that look like eggs, mittens, or mittens with two thumbs. Oil is extracted from sassafras for use in medicine, perfumes, and soap.
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SUGAR MAPLE
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The leaves of this tree are bright green on top and pale green on the bottom. They have 5 lobes which are slightly notched. This tree is considered valuable for maple sugar and syrup. Its wood is used for hardwood flooring and furniture.
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NORTHERN CATAPALPA
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Often referred to as the cigar tree because of its long pods which ripen in October, its leaves are heart-shaped. In the spring it has large white flowers. Its wood is very durable and is used for fence posts. The tree is often planted for ornamental purposes.
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COMMON PERSIMMON
This is a small to medium sized tree. Its flowers are white to greenish yellow and urn shaped. Its fruit, which is an orange juicy berry, is edible but astringent. It is less puckery after the first frost. |
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HORSECHESTNUT
Originally from Greece, it was first planted in this country in Philadelphia. It is usually used for landscape purposes. The bark has medicinal value.
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BLACK LOCUST
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The leaves are compund, which means that many leaflets make up one large leaf. In the spring, it bears 4- to 5-inch clusters of white flowers which are very fragrant. It grows quickly so is usefull for erosion control. Its wood is very durable. |
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THE BIRDS OF DIVINE PARK
The bird population of the park varies with the seasons. When the town stocks the lake with trout, many fish-eating birds can be seen such as Mergansers, Grebes, Herons, and Cormorants. The following are almost always in the park. |
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MUTE SWAN
This beautiful bird is easily recognized by the way it holds its neck. It holds its neck in a graceful S-curve with its bill pointed downward while swimming. The adult has an orange bill with a black knob.
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CANADA GOOSE
This is the most common and the best known goose. It can be identified by its black head and neck, and its broad white cheek. These birds graze in open areas within commuting distance of open water.
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MALLARD
The male of this duck is recognized by its green head, white neck band, and rusty colored breast. The female is a mottled brown. Both have a blue speculum.
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HOUSE SPARROW
Sparrows are small brown-bodied birds with streaked backs and short conical beaks. The male House Sparrow has a black throat, white cheeks, and a gray crown. The female is plain with a dull eye-stripe.
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RING-BILLED GULL
This is a small gull with a conspicuous black ring on its bill and yellowish or greenish legs. This particular gull likes to sit on the posts of the rustic bridges.
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GREAT BLUE HERON
This, New Jersey's largest wading bird, can often be seen standing still or stalking through the shallows in search of fish. The adult has a blue-gray body, a long yellow bill, and a white head with a black eye-stripe. |
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