William L. Hutcheson Memorial Forest

William L. Hutcheson Memorial Forest is a protected woodland area in Franklin Township covering around 500 acres. The site contains a diverse mix of White Oak, Eastern Black Oak, Northern Red Oak, American Beech, and Hickory trees that form a natural ecosystem.

The land was acquired by Dutch settlers from the Lenape people in 1701. Successive generations preserved the woodland without logging or cultivation.

Rutgers University faculty members conduct educational tours through the forest, sharing knowledge about local ecosystems and environmental preservation methods.

The area is accessible from sunrise to sunset and requires advance reservation. Free guided tours are offered every third Sunday at 2 PM throughout the year.

The oak trees here rank among the region's oldest specimens, with some reaching over 350 years of age. This remarkable longevity reflects how undisturbed and stable the ecosystem has remained across centuries.

Location: New Jersey

GPS coordinates: 40.50040,-74.56730

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:26