STONE HARBOR BIRD SANCTUARY, STONE HARBOR, N. J.

For many years the Bird Sanctuary has been an important part of the history of Stone Harbor. But as time progressed and the resort became more and more popular and attracted greater numbers of people, there became a growing interest and increased pressure to want to develop the remaining land in Stone Harbor.

The bird sanctuary, recognized as the only heronry in the United States within the boundary of a municipality, enjoyed tremendous popularity among bird watchers and conservationists alike. In order to provide long-standing support to preserve and protect this natural wonderland, many were both relieved and pleased to see that the Bird Sanctuary was finally designated as a Registered Natural Landmark by our nation’s National Park Service.

The photo image above is a testament to that action and actually portrays the stone marker and plaque that was officially dedicated at the site of the Bird Sanctuary in 1965. Recently, while visiting Stone Harbor in June of 2024, this author took this picture to share with my readers. The weathered bronze plaque shown above bears the following inscription:

STONE HARBOR BIRD SANCTUARY
HAS BEEN DESIGNATED A
REGISTERED
NATURAL LANDMARK
UNDER THE PROVISION OF THE
HISTORIC SITES ACT OF AUGUST 21, 1955
THIS SITE POSSESSES EXCEPTIONAL VALUE
IN ILLUSTRATING THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
1965