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The
New Jersey State Fish
The
Brook Trout
The State
fish is the brook trout, which joined the other State symbols
in 1992. This native New Jersey fish received its name from
the Pilgrims. The brook trout is very sensitive to pollution
and other changes in the environment. Therefore, its presence
assures good water quality.
The
New Jersey State Animal
The
Horse
Two
students, one in the fifth grade and one in the eighth grade,
were responsible for making the horse New Jersey's State animal
in 1977. Representing power and strength, the horse is included
on the State seal. It was also very important in making New
Jersey farming successful. Today, raising and racing horses
are very popular in New Jersey.
The
New Jersey State Dinosaur
The Hadrosaurus
Foulkii
During
the Cretaceous Period, 70 to 100 million years ago, duck-billed
dinosaurs roamed the swampy land that would later become New
Jersey. A fossil of one of these dinosaurs was discovered
by William Parke Foulke in Haddonfield in 1858. It was named
Hadrosaurus Foulkii. In 1991, the Hadrosaurus Foulkii became
New Jersey's State dinosaur.
The
New Jersey State Bug
The
Honeybee
Our State
bug, the honeybee, serves all of us very well. It makes honey
for sweetening our meals and beeswax to smooth. Honeybees also
pollinate our flowers, fruit trees and vegetable blossoms. A
group of New Jersey school children persuaded the Legislature
to designate the honeybee as the State bug. Then they all watched
as the Governor signed the bill into law in 1974. Now isn't
that a honey of a tale?
The
New Jersey State Flower
The
Violet
New
Jersey has considered the violet as the State flower since 1913.
It wasn't until 1971, however, that the Legislature adopted
a bill that made the Viola sororia one of our official symbols.
Even though violets are often considered "shy," they
are hardy enough to grow in New Jersey fields, lawns, and anywhere
they can find warm spring sunshine.
The
New Jersey State Bird
The
Eastern Goldfinch
Alert
birdwatchers can catch a glimpse of a male eastern goldfinch's
bright yellow feathers as he visits in the backyards of New
Jersey. He also has a snappy black cap, wings and tail. If you
want eastern goldfinches to visit you, try putting out some
sunflower seeds - that's their favorite treat. The eastern goldfinch
was chosen to be the New Jersey State bird in 1935.
The
New Jersey State Tree
The
Red Oak
In 1950
the majestic red oak became New Jersey's State tree. The red
oak is a hardwood tree that you can recognize by its pointy-lobed
leaves with prickly tips. It produces many acorns, an important
food for the Native Americans of long ago. In autumn the leaves
turn a vibrant red, adding bursts of color to our rural landscapes.
The
New Jersey State Shell
The
Knobbed Whelk
New
Jersey's State shell, the knobbed whelk, can be found along
our beaches and bays. Its scientific name is Busycon carica
gmelin. This large marine snail with a spiral shell is harvested
and canned for food. It is also known by its Italian name, scungilli.
The knobbed whelk became the State shell in 1995.
The
New Jersey State American Folk Dance
The
Square Dance
"Do-si-do"
and "swing your partner!" cries the caller in New
Jersey's official State American Folk Dance, the square dance. In the
popular American square dance, a caller shouts out directions
to the dancing couples. Square dance music is lively and the
dancers wear colorful clothes. New Jersey adopted it as our
State American Folk Dance in 1983.
The
New Jersey State Fruit
The
Blueberry
Blueberries were first cultivated for commercial
production in New Jersey and the state is widely recognized as the blueberry capital of the nation. The highbush blueberry
(Vaccinium corymbosum), also known as the "New Jersey blueberry," is the ideal symbol of a delicious, nutritious, and
healthful fruit. Inspired by elementary school children, the blueberry was designated as the official New Jersey State
Fruit on January 12, 2004.
The
New Jersey State Tall Ship
The
Meerwald
The
A.J. Meerwald, a Delaware Bay oyster schooner launched in 1928,
is the state tall ship having been so designated by Chapter
9 of the Laws of 1998. The Ship constructed of oak planks laid
over oak frames, is 115 feet long and has a beam height of 22
feet, 3 inches. From its home port in Commercial Township, the
A.J Meerwald is operated by the Delaware Bay Schooner Project
as a floating classroom, promoting ecological and historical
awareness of the bay and the waters of New Jersey.
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