Exploring A Special Swamp
Note: All of the images in this post were made before the New Jersey closed the parks and state forests.
One of the most unusual features of the New Jersey Pine Barrens are the swamps. Atlantic White Cedar swamps in particular. These are dark and wet places. Being in one is like entering a timeless, eerie and mystical world. If a dinosaur or fairy appeared, it would look like it belonged there. What is even more fascinating is the light in a cedar swamp. At times it can look like night time with light filtering through the thick forest canopy, creating odd plays of light and shadow.
These otherworldly places are not easy to get into and challenging to photograph once you do. It may sound odd, but in this time of social distancing required by the response to the Coronavirus, swamps have become places of refuge for me.
The swamp pictured in this post is different from others I’ve explored. Its remote location has been all but cut off by damaging storms and rising water levels. The result is a cedar swamp that has been pretty much untouched from the time it was harvested for wood over 50 years ago. In the Pine Barrens the woods has been clear cut many times up until the mid 20th century. This is about as close to an “old growth” forest as you can get around here.
I’ve hiked and bushwhacked to this swamp a few times over the past several months. The photographs below are the result of these trips. You can take a little tour of this unusual place from the comfort of your own home. Boots and navigation skills are not required.
The Cedar Swamp Environment
Navigating through a cedar swamp is tricky. They can be thick with trees. The ground is usually wet and very messy with undergrowth and fallen branches. Finding a composition in these unwieldy places is challenging and takes a fair amount of effort to find order in the chaos.
Chaotic Cedars by Richard Lewis 2020
The two photographs below show cedars that have most likely grown out of tree stumps after being cut down years ago. It is amazing how this place has regenerated itself over the last 50+ years.
Ancient Cedar by Richard Lewis 2020
Mossy Islands by Richard Lewis 2020
Color and Texture
One of the most seductive things about a cedar swamp are the colors and textures. Color is mostly created by lichen and moss on the ground and trees. The bark of the cedar tree can vary greatly in texture too.
The Way Out by Richard Lewis 2020
Cedar Recovery by Richard Lewis 2019
Old Cedars by Richard Lewis 2019
Romancing The Cedars
Cedar Cathedral by Richard Lewis 2020
Cedar swamps are often referred to as cathedral-like. The above photograph from a different swamp sort of illustrates this idea. The “cedar cathedral” is a romantic notion that doesn’t always reflect the reality of actually being in a cedar swamp. When you are standing in the dark with water halfway to your knees the experience seems more organic and alien than cathedral-like. But then again, one cannot help a feeling of sanctuary in these swamps that is very much like being in a large, old cathedral.
While this is one special swamp, it’s my plan to keep exploring others and sharing the photographs I find. Please visit my growing gallery of Cedar Swamp photographs.
Stay Home and Stay Safe
Very dramatic series. Facebook reminded me of photos that I took last year with you in the bogs. Hope to get another workshop after the quarantine is lifted.
Thank Rich. I remember that workshop. I just got some dates for the fall and will posting them soon.
Good read Rich. Thank you. I especially enjoy Cedar Recovery. The stumps look like shrunken mesas among tall cedars. I think my next piece of photo gear will be boots for the swamps.
Thanks Dave. It’s amazing what the landscape looks like in these places. A good pair of boots is definitely an asset when you explore a swamp.
I am in awe – of the place, the images and your art.
Thank you Michael. I appreciate it!
Magnificent window into this ethereal world. Beautiful compositions. Cedar swamps are sacred places to me as well. Thank you for sharing these images.
Thank you Monica. I’m glad you enjoyed this trip into a special and sacred place.
Very nice Images of the Swamp. Since I live not far away from NJ, think I just may make a trip down to this place for a photo shoot. Looks very interesting!
Thanks Les. We have a lot to photograph here, but wait till things are open again.
Amazing colors & excellent photography! I did write to you a while back about a specific photo spot in Rancocas State Park where I once lived. The spot in the park is now referred to as Melpine Landing, and the house as the “manor home”, which in itself would be a good photo opportunity. Friends of Melpine Landing (FOML) is assessing for the possibility of renovations to the manor home, as a viable spot for storage, logistical support, and various administrative requirements.
Thanks Michael. Thanks for the update too. I need to take a look at the place you told me about and talk to this organization.
I’m in awe at the beauty of nature and how you can capture its essence.
Rich – As always, terrific photos!!!!
As a forester, though, i feel a duty to comment on the term, “old growth”. To me, old growth in NJ is a stand of trees over 150 years old. Additionally, Atlantic white cedar normally grows in even-aged situations, caused by disturbance such as fire, pest, land use change, logging, and silviculture.
Thanks Ken for the compliment and the great information. I never meant to imply that this is an actual old growth forest. It’s just in comparison with most cedar swamps that I’ve been to these trees are much larger and feel older. Thanks for keeping me honest!
Beautiful photos as always Rich! I miss seeing your photos in my IG feed.
I think my favorite spots in the pines besides the savanahs are the cedar swamps. I love the fragrance of the cedar, the way the light filters through the trees and the frogs! I grew up exploring the local creeks and swamps where I live. So I truely understand the draw. Thanks for sharing your photos!!
Thanks Joyce. There is something about the swamps and savannahs of the Pines that is so unique. I’ve photographed lots of places but keep coming back to the Pine Barrens. I apologize about my non presence on IG. Honestly, it’s a platform I don’t understand, but realize I need to be present on. I did just post something and will start doing so again, so stay tuned and thanks again.
And some folks say it’s just dirt and pine trees. Will keep an eye out for the photos and I’ve subscribed to your blog. Your photos are inspiring!
Beautiful and amazing. Stay safe, stay well, Rich!
Thanks Pat. You stay safe too. It’s a crazy time we are living in.
Wonderful imagery and writing … top notch! I know it is difficult to compose the chaos one finds in a cedar swamp among the physical and navigational challenges … as well as getting a good footing. (I know this after falling through the mossy surface in search of swamp pink!) You did an excellent job of portraying how the light looks in a cedar swamp and it makes me wish I could go there tomorrow!
Thanks Denise. Cedar swamps are the ultimate challenge. They are so alien and challenging in so many ways as you noted. But the reward is worth the effort. I’d love to see what you come up with in one. If you find yourself back in NJ with your camera, let me know. We are missing the swamp pink this year. I’ve been monitoring a perfect little grouping this year and just as it was getting ready to bloom, they closed the state forests. Such is life sometimes. Stay safe and stay well out there.
Hi Richard! Beautiful photos! I was wondering if you remember exactly where this swamp is located within the pine barrens. I would love to visit it for myself. Thanks!
Thanks Dan. I don’t reveal locations publicly because you never know who is going to show up there. Since this post was written, the area was attacked by a group of off-roaders who tore up the trail and the edge of the swamp as well as leaving trash behind.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures! I found your place here through Google while researching information for a novel I’m writing. This is a big help!
Thank you Nancy. I would love to hear more about this novel.