The 105,000 acre region that comprises the Central Pine Barrens has been the site of many interesting traditional activities vital to Long Island’s history and economy, such as cranberry and blueberry farming
near the Peconic River, brick making, the use of water-powered mills to grind grain and mill lumber, duck farming, crop farming, growing of nursery stock, sand mining, tanning, harvesting of wood (such as Atlantic white cedar) for shipbuilding, and the making of various products from pine tree sap. Taverns, inns and general stores were kept. Key aspects of the Revolutionary War occurred here, as did vital training for World War I at Camp Upton.
Restoring and preserving historical structures and features and recreating traditional industries within the Central Pine Barrens are an important future priority of the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission. (Photo: Cranberry Bog Preserve)
(Photo: Jamie Greene)