These photos were from a field trip to Bear Swamp in Cumberland County, one of the oldest forests in the Northeast according to some. The old-growth sections of this forest comprise about 215 acres. Bear Swamp contains broadleaf swamp forest dominated by Black Gum, Sweetgum, Red Maple, and Sweetbay Magnolia. Other trees present are American Beech, Tulip Tree, Swamp Chestnut or Basket Oak, and American Holly. The Black Gum are nearly 4 feet in diameter and are reportedly 600 years old. The Sweetgum again nearly 4 feet in diameter, and 300 years old. The Red Maple are over 4 feet in diameter. The American Holly are impressive as well, reaching 22 inches in diameter and 80 feet tall. Many of these trees have been dated and others have been hard to date as they are hollowed out making it impossible to do core sampling. The atmosphere of the place is one of solitude, of standing amongst "tree giants" as they rise straight and massive out of the forest reaching well above most of the surrounding area. The forest has a "southern feel" with many southern species of birds and plants, some reaching their northernmost limit in southern NJ such as Pond and Loblolly Pine and Basket Oak.