Woodland Township is a township in Burlington County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 1,544, The township, and all of Burlington County, is a part of the Philadelphia-Reading-Camden combined statistical area and the Delaware Valley.
Woodland was incorporated as a township by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 7, 1866, from portions of Pemberton Township, Shamong Township, Southampton Township and Washington Township. Portions of the township were taken to form Tabernacle Township on March 22, 1901.
History
The area now known as Woodland Township was originally inhabited by the Lenape Native American tribe. European settlers began arriving in the late 17th century, attracted by the fertile soil and abundant lumber resources. The settlers cleared land for farming and built homes and other structures using local materials, including wood and sandstone.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Woodland was predominantly an agricultural community, with farming being the primary occupation for most residents. The fertile soil in the region was ideal for growing a variety of crops, including corn, wheat, and potatoes. In addition to crop farming, livestock, dairy, and poultry farming also played a significant role in the local economy.
In the early 20th century, several small-scale industries began to emerge in Woodland, including sawmills, gristmills, and blacksmith shops. These industries relied heavily on the local resources, such as timber and iron ore, and provided employment opportunities for the residents.
In the latter half of the 20th century, Woodland experienced a shift away from agriculture and towards a more diversified economy. Although farming remained an important aspect of the township's identity, the focus shifted to include manufacturing, retail, and service-based industries.
The township has a mix of residential, commercial, and agricultural areas, reflecting its multifaceted history. Woodland is known for its landscapes, including the scenic Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, which offers numerous recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township had a total area of 94.45 square miles (244.61 km<sup>2</sup>), including 92.64 square miles (239.93 km<sup>2</sup>) of land and 1.81 square miles (4.68 km<sup>2</sup>) of water (1.91%).
Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Bullock, Butlers Place, Chatsworth (the postal address for most of the residents of the township), DeCou Pond, Dukes Bridge, Four Mile, Goose Pond, Hedger House, Johnson Place, Jones Mill, Lebanon, Long Causeway, Old Halfway, South Park and Woodmansie.
The township is one of 56 South Jersey municipalities that are included within the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve, a protected natural area of unique ecology covering , that has been classified as a United States Biosphere Reserve and established by Congress in 1978 as the nation's first National Reserve. All of the township is included in the state-designated Pinelands Area, which includes portions of Burlington County, along with areas in Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Ocean counties.