The Rutgers Ecological Preserve is a 360-acre tract of mature forest, meadow, and stream corridor wedged between the Busch and Livingston campuses. Trails wind through habitats that host over 200 bird species, white-tailed deer, and a variety of woodland plants — an unlikely wilderness in the middle of a suburban university. Established in 1976, the preserve also functions as an outdoor classroom for Rutgers students, but it is open to the public at any hour.
The main trail loop is roughly four kilometres. Enter from Rockafeller Road on the Livingston side or from the back of the Busch Campus athletic fields. No fee, no permit required.