The Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preserve is the largest contiguous wetlands in northern Middlesex County. The 1,250-acre preserve is one of the last remaining viable wetland ecosystems in highly urbanized Central New Jersey. The preserve spans portions of Edison, Metuchen and South Plainfield. Middlesex County has preserved more than 120 acres of land within the Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preserve, protecting wildlife and wetlands.

Learn more about Conservation and Open Space Management

In the Spring of 2024 with the help of the Peter J Barnes III Wildlife Preserve Commission, the Middlesex County Youth Conservation Corps finished building a mile-long trail in the PJB III Wildlife Preserve. A small gravel parking lot on Coolidge Street gives access to the trailhead and the path through the forest. The trail connects a portion of the property in South Plainfield Borough to sections of the preserve as well as the Songbird Trail in Edison Township. 

Peter J. Barnes Wildlife Preserve Map

Mile long trail through one of the last remaining viable wetland ecosystems in Central New Jersey.

Driving Directions and GPS Coordinates

-              South Plainfield Borough

-              Coolidge Street. Near intersection with South Ave.

-              GPS Coordinates: 40.55671794009931, -74.40642926242141

Driving Directions From I-287 S

-              Take Exit 3 for County Rd 501 W toward New Durham

-              Turn right onto County Rd 501/ New Durham Rd

-              Turn right onto Talmadge Rd

-              Turn left onto Coolidge St

-              Trailhead and parking area are on the right