The Hibernia Mine was
one of the largest mines in NJ. It was comprised of many smaller mines, all
being linked and accessed through a 4000 foot plus adit. The adit was so large
that it needed a locomotive in order for the ore transport to be economical. This was handled by the
Hibernia Underground railway, the only incorporated mine railway in NJ.
Approaching the mine
was interesting, about 200 feet from it, you cal already start to feel a cold
draft in the area. once near the mine, the velocity and mass of air coming out
of it is astonishing. . We arrived in early August 2005 and we were thinking
of putting on a long sleeved sweater.
The Hibernia mine is know
throughout the northeast not for its rich history, but for it being one of the
most important bat hibernaculum around. it is home to an estimated 30,000 bats.
The last 80 years, the
mine has sat idle. Despite being vandalized, walled up, sealed, reopened,
cemented shut, and dynamited Hibernia's final status appears to be solidified
as a bat home for the rest of its days.
Hibernia Mine
