NATCO LAKE IS A NATURAL GEM IN THE BAYSHORE REGION

For those of you who have never ventured outside to explore the countless awe-inspiring, yet largely untried natural areas of the Bayshore region in Monmouth County, Natco Lake is one of the finest places to embark on your journey.

Natco Lake is located on the border of Hazlet Township and Union Beach. It can clearly be seen as you ride or walk along the Henry Hudson bike path or drive on Highway 36. It is the only large lake situated on the bike path or on the highway, and beside the IFF (International Flavors & Fragrances) manufacturing plant; believe it or not this was once an active farm.

Yes, I know, only in New Jersey do we put a large industrial complex juxtaposed to a beautiful biological place. Nevertheless, in the urban landscape of the Bayshore region, Natco Lake offers some interesting rewards for those willing to explore.

Natco Lake carries an unusual feature as a natural open space site that is both man-made and undeveloped. Moreover, the water inside the lake is surprisingly brackish.

A booklet entitled, Natco Park: An Introduction, published by the Hazlet Environmental Commission in 1992 states that some time ago, Natco Lake was not a lake at all, but a clay pit. Most of the land was owned by a company called the National Fireproofing Company (commonly referred to as NatCo). The company mined clay here, and manufactured fire bricks and clay on adjacent Rose Lane. The two lakes (north and south) are a result of this mining business. A dike of earth and rocks was built around the pits and water pumps were used to keep ground and rain water out of these valuable commercial clay pits.

At some point in time, the dike failed and permitted thousands of gallons of saltwater from nearby waterways to enter the pits. The corporate heads of NatCo then decided that since there was a waning demand for clay products it would not be practicable to dewater the pits and continue mining the area. Consequently, NatCo said good-bye to the Bayshore region and a new man-made lake was born.

Then starting in 1978, the good people of Hazlet Township embarked on the strenuous task of purchasing the lake and what land remained on the south side of the lake as open space. A referendum question was placed on the November ballot of that year in Hazlet Township to ask whether there was public support to save approximately 250 acres from encroaching residential and commercial development, and conserve the site for future generations to use for passive recreation.

It is difficult to accept as true today since a majority of current residents in Hazlet Township have not voted for an open space referendum in several years, but in 1978 Hazlet residents overwhelming voted 5059 to 711 (a remarkable 7 to 1 ratio) in favor of saving land.

Thank God for those people’s vision and boldness. They preserved this wonderful place for all to enjoy. Due to their wisdom, Natco Lake and portions of land surrounding the lake can be accessed for the public’s enjoyment.

Although swimming and skating are not permitted in the lake, fishing is encouraged by the abundance of striped bass and flounder in the water. On the southern border of the lake, the parkland is managed by Hazlet Township and features unmarked trails that lead to Thorns Creek, small wetlands, and tributaries to neighboring East Creek. The main entrance to this park can be found in the rear of the Lakeside Manor parking lot on Highway 36.

In 1994, New Jersey Audubon Society recognized Natco Lake in a report entitled, Raritan Bay Wildlife Habitat, as a “valuable migratory bird habitat, especially with its largely wooded shoreline.” NJ Audubon also stated that there is a known heronry with Black- and Yellow-crowned night herons.

The lake itself supports a diverse amount of wildlife including different types of crabs, snakes, fish, egrets, ospreys, kingfishers, ducks, and gulls. Yet, note should be made that due to pollution from the land, any aquatic critters caught in the lake, such as fish or crabs, should not be eaten.

Green Frog

The wooded open space in Hazlet Township also supports a wide amount of plants and animals, including Great Horned Owls, extensive stands of mountain laurel and skunk cabbage, box turtles, pitch pine, toads, salamanders, and many different types of frogs. Why, just a few weeks ago, I found myself wandering around Natco Park and spotted about 20 lovely green frogs hopping around the freshwater wetlands within Natco Park (see photo, at left, of green frog largely covered in mud). Unique and amazement are two words that describe this place well.