Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Holgate
Wilderness Area
At the southern tip of Long Beach Island.
This pristine barrier beach, part of the Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge's
designated Wilderness Area, offers visitors Seasonal opportunities to observe
its remarkable living plant and animal communities. a brochure describing
Holgate's seasonal regulations is available. During Non-nesting season
(approximately September 1 through March 31), visitors are welcome to walk
Holgate's beach front, to take advantage of its plentiful wildlife viewing
opportunities. (Sorry, pets are prohibited. Pets can be harmful to both wildlife
and this fragile habitat.) During the Nesting Season (approximately April 1
through August 31), Holgate is Closed to all public access, to ensure undisturbed
nesting conditions for the threatened piping plovers and other beach nesters.
Holgate is one of the last nesting sites along the Jersey shore still available
for these birds.
609-652-1655 or 609-698-1387
Tuckerton Seaport
West mail Street
Tuckerton, NJ 08087
E-mail tuckcport@aol.com
http://www.tuckertonseaport.org
Tuckerton seaport is located on the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail on Rt.
9 along scenic Tuckerton Creek in the historic village of Tuckerton. At
this Maritime Cultural Center, the Baymen's Museum commemorates the rich history
of the Jersey Coast with exhibits, workshops and hands-on programs for visitors
and school groups.
Tuckerton was designated as America's third port of entry in 1791 and at the Tuckerton seaport a working maritime village has been recreated with lighthouse, clam and oyster houses, a sawmill, yacht club, decoy carving shops, gunning shanties and a boat works. the traditions of the baymen and the natural resources of the coastal environment come alive through the interpretive displays, antique photos, artifacts and live demonstrations at the Seaport. Barrier-free access is provided along the waterfront by pathways, nature trails and nearly 1/2 mile boardwalk.
At the Tuckerton Seaport Coastal Environmental Center, exhibits, displays and
interactive programs are provided through a unique partnership between Rutgers
University Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Richard Stockton Collage
and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The trailhead for the new
7-mile Great Bay Boulevard Ecotour, and auto, bike and kayak trail system, is
located at the Coastal Environmental Center.
609-298-8868
Parkertown Park
Dock Street, Parkertown 08087
The park is located on Little Egg Harbor, adjacent to Edwin B. Forsythe National
Wildlife refuge. An excellent spot for birding, the park also has access for
kayaking and fishing.
609-296-7241
"Tip" Seaman County Park
Lakeside Drive and Rte. 9, Tuckerton 08087
Located on Lake Pohatcong in historic Tuckerton, the park offers easy viewing of
many species of waterfowl from fall through spring. "Tip" Seaman
County Park is home to the annual Ocean County Decoy and Gunning Show.
609-296-5606
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Barnegat
Impoundment Wildlife Observation Platform
Bay Shore Drive between Ridgeway and Edison Avenues, east of Rte. 9,
Barnegat 08005
This observation platform overlooks a 300-acre freshwater marsh, contained and separated
from the tidal salt marsh by a dike. In spring and fall, visitors may see
migratory water birds stopping to rest and feed in this precious wetland habitat
that is managed just for them. Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
609-852-1665 or 609-698-1387
Barnegat Light Museum
5th Street and Central Avenue, Barnegat Light, 08006
The museum, housed in the ole Barnegat City one-room schoolhouse, displays many
maritime artifacts including the Fresnel lens from Barnegat Lighthouse. The
museum is surrounded by accessible seashore garden with many plantings native to
the Jersey shore. The Barnegat Light Historical society runs the museum, which
is staffed by volunteers. The museum is open daily 2:00pm to 5:00 pm July and
August, weekends in June and September. There is no entry fee, but donations are
appreciated.
609-494-8578
Coast Guard Stations at Barnegat Light
"Old Station" 7th Street, Barnegat light 08006
609-494-9196
"New " Station 6th Street and Bayview Avenue, Barnegat Light 08006
609-494-2680
The old station, built in 1938, was the second station in Barnegat Light. The
original Life Saving Station #113 was built in the 1800's and is believed to
have been located a few streets from this station. The current station was
abandoned in 1973 when the new Coast Guard Station was built on the bayside. The
building is now licensed to the Borough of Barnegat Light who hopes to adaptively
reuse the building in the future.
Completed in 1873, the new station is the functioning station in Barnegat Light. Station personal provide assistance to boaters who have trouble navigating the strong waves and shifting sands of Barnegat Inlet. An interpretive wayside exhibit explains the role of the U. S. Coast Guard in the history of our nation's maritime developments. The station is open year-round and tours of the station are available.
Long Beach Island Historical Museum, Beach haven
Engleside and Beach Avenue, Beach Haven, 08008
E-mail: lbi.museum@juno.com
Established in 1875, the LBI Museum is located on the edge of Bicentennial
Park in Beach Haven. Housed in the former Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, built
in 1882, the museum serves as an auditorium for summer lectures and programs. An
adjoining winter chapel, built in 1938, serves as a well-stocked museum of
artifacts and photographs of Long Beach Island's colorful Past, with changing exhibits.
Call for hours.
609-492-0700
Historic Viking Village
19th Street and Bayview Avenue, Barnegat Light 08006
A visit to Viking Village will take you back in time to the early days of a
quaint fishing village. the site, on Barnegat Bay, includes a cluster of
renovated fishing shacks and the Independence Dock. Dock tours are available
July, August and September. The site, also home to several shops, host special
events throughout the year. Viking Village is one of the largest suppliers of
fish and seafood on the eastern seaboard. Visitors watching scallop boats and
longliners sail in the harbor can see that the fishing industry endures.
609-361-7008, Tour Registration 609-494-7211
Barnegat Heritage Center
East Bay Avenue, Barnegat 08005
http://www.barnegathistoricalsoc.com
The Barnegat heritage Village is an enclave of seven historic buildings. The
Edwards house dates to Washington's time; the Lippincott-Faulkinberg homestead
is mid-nineteenth century. Both are furnished in period style. there is also a
butcher shop, barber shop, corncrib, necessary and roadside cabin. The village
is open every Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day 1:00 pm to 4:00pm and for
large groups by special request.
609-698-5284
Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area
NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife
P.O. Box 400
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-259-2132
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw
The Barnegat Division of the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge surround
this thousand-acre WMA on three sides. Ample opportunities exist for mountain
biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, crabbing, fishing for both warm and
saltwater species, and hunting for deer, small game and waterfowl.
Manahawkin Cultural Center/ Shipwreck Cemetery
Rte 9, Manahawkin 08050
Home of the Stafford Township Historical Society, the cultural center is located
in the oldest Baptist Church in Ocean County. the church, constructed in 1758,
was the scene of skirmishes during the Revolutionary War and blood stains are
still visible on the church floorboards. Some Revolutionary War soldiers are
buried in the adjoining cemetery, along with numerous shipwreck and drowning
victims.
609-597-7416
Berkeley Island Count Park
Brennan Concourse, Bayville 08721
Berkeley Island County Park is located at the mouth of Cedar Creek on Barnegat
Bay. Crabbing and fishing are among the park's most popular activities. Access
for sea kayaks and small boats is available in the park.
609-971-3085
Oyster Creek Energy Education Center
Rte 9, 4.5 Miles south of Lacy Road. Forked River, 08731
http://www.gpu.com
What does the inside of a nuclear power plant look like? How does boiling water
make electricity? The answer to these and many other questions can be found at
the GPU Nuclear Education Center. The 6,000-square foot facility features a
variety of models and interactive displays that explain various aspects of
nuclear power and electricity. The center also houses an 80-seat auditorium for
presentations and other events. The center is open by appointment only. For
information gpukids@gpu.com.
609-971-2180
Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area/ Pygmy Pine Forest
NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife
P.O. Box 400
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-259-2132
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw
Four ponds, a small freshwater marsh and hundreds of acres of pine-oak
forest provide a haven for nesting, migrating and wintering wildlife.
Wildlife-watching, hiking and mountain biking are possible. There is good
fishing for pickerel and catfish and hunting for deer, turkey, small game and
waterfowl. The area boasts a dog training area and shotgun, rifle and archery
ranges. a unique pygmy pine forest covers the northern end of the Wildlife
Management Area.
The Pygmy Pine forest is a dense stand of dwarf, but mature, pitch pine, blackjack oak and scrub oak trees only four to six feet in height. the plants found here have special adaptations that allow them to survive the frequent fires of the area. This unique forest can be viewed from a platform of CR 539.
Wells Mills County Park
Wells Mill Road, Route 532
Waretown 08758
This Pinelands gem is home to beautiful Wells Mill Lake and the Wells Mills
Nature Center. the park's surprisingly hilly terrain has over 16 miles of hiking
and nature trail and offers canoeing and mountain biking. the park is known for
its beautiful stand of Atlantic white cedar.
609-971-3085
Forked River Mountain Wildlife Management Area
NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife
P.O. Box 400
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-259-2132
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw
One of the highest elevations in the Pine Barrens, the Forked river Mountains
ate typical of the mixed pint-oak habitats prevalent in southern New Jersey.
Visitors can hike to the top of the mountain, only 182 feet in elevation. Hiking
and wildlife-watching can also be done along the old sand roads and unmarked
trails which wind through the area. Hunting opportunities exist for deer, small
game and turkey.
Bass River State Forest
762 stage road, PO Box 118, New Gretna 08224
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/forestry/parks/bass.htm
This large forest of over 25,600 acres was acquired for public recreation, water
conservation and wildlife and timber management. Lake Absegami provides
swimming, canoeing and boating opportunities. A portion of the 50-mile Batona
Trail runs through the forest and another walking trail provides access through
the Absegami Natural Area. The park also offers camping, fishing, hunting,
cross-country skiing, picnic areas, a playground and horseback riding trails.
609-296-1114
Mill Creek County Park
Mill Creek Road, Bayville 08721
The park borders Mill Creek and the Toms river. It features a nature trail on
Mill Creek. the Allen County Conservation area is adjacent to the park.
732-506-9090
Riverwood Park
West end of Riverwood Drive (Pleasant Plains Section), Toms River
08755
This 147-acre park is located along the upper reaches of the main branch of Toms
River. There are four miles of hiking trails with camping areas. The active
recreation are has 24 soccer fields, tot lot, two basketball courts, picnic
grove and recreation building. restrooms are handicap accessible. the dirt trail
along the river, which is traditionally trout stocked, is excellent for birding
732-341-100 ext. 8415
Huddy Park/Mathis Park
State Route 166
Huddy Park: 732-341-1000 ext. 8415
Mathis Park: 732-349-0403
Nestles into the Toms River Seaport Area, both pocket parks are approximately
three to four acres, have scenic waterfronts, with paved parking, picnic
benches, gazebos and many community affairs. Huddy Park features a pedestrian
bridge over the river and Mathis Plaza houses a World War II torpedo dedicated
to submariners. restrooms are available in nearby public buildings.
Winding River Park
State route 37 West opposite the hospital
Whitesville Road off Oak Ridge Parkway (County Route 527)
the main branch of Toms river meanders through this 375-acre linear park which
has 12 miles of hiking trails. A scenic paved five-mile hiking and biking trail
runs around the park. there are provisions for canoe launching at both upstream
and down stream locations. the park has five softball fields, group picnic areas
and restrooms (handicapped accessible) at both ends. Off Whitesville road, the
Winding river Skating Rink provides seasonal ice skating for the general public.
There are equestrian trails off Oak Ridge Parkway.
Ocean County Historical Society
25 Hadley Avenue, Toms River08753
The Ocean County Historical Society, founded in 1950, maintains a museum in the
15-room Victorian Pierson/Sculthorpe house. In 1990, an addition was built that
houses the Stickler Library and research Center and the Myrtle Moore room, which
displays early industries of Ocean county. Call for museum hours.
732-341-1880; Fax 732-341-4372
Town of Island Heights
Municipal Building; Van Sant Avenue and East End Avenue, Island
Heights 08732
Island Heights, located on the northern bank of Toms River, is one of Ocean
County's most picturesque towns. Reverend John Simpson started Methodist
camp-meetings here in 1878. beautifully restored Victorian homes grace the high
bluffs along the river. The town has a 0.3 mile boardwalk bordering the river.
732-270-6415; Fax 732-270-8586
Sedge Island Wildlife Management Area
NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife
P.O. Box 400
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-259-2132
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw
Accessible only by boat, the Sedge Islands are an excellent place for
birding. A peregrine town on one of the islands provides nesting habitat for the
endangered peregrine falcon. Crabbing, clamming and fishing abound in the waters
surrounding the islands. Waterfowl hunting is also good. the Division of Fish
and Wildlife uses an historic duck-hunting lodge as a marine education education
center.
Bayside Municipal Park in Brick
Route 35 South in Brick 08723
One of the area's newest municipal parks, this nearly two-acre tract is nestled
at the edge of Barnegat Bay. A favorite spot for fishing and crabbing, the park
has already become a popular place for locals and seasonal visitors alike for
viewing sunsets and enjoying the scenery. Amenities include picnic benches, a playground
area, gazebo and a waterfront boardwalk.
732-262-1072
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge/Reedy Creek
Unit/deCamp Wildlife Trail
Mantoloking and Adamston Roads, Brick 08723
This one-mile foot trail offers visitors year-round opportunities to experience
the tranquil beauty of refuge woodlands and wildlife. The first 1300 feet are
wide and flat, which benches and interpretive wayside signs. The remaining path
becomes moderately more difficult and rustic. Open to foot travelers daily, from
sunrise to sunset.
609-652-1665 or 609-698-1387
Metedecock River County Conservation Area
Lakewood/Brick
This greenway was acquired to protect wetlands along the north and south
branches of the Metedecock River. This includes the Forge Pond Conservation Area
located within the adjacent Forge Pond County Golf Course. Canoeing, fishing and
birding are the favored activities within this special area.
732-506-9090
Ocean County Park/Lake Shenandoah County Park
Route 88, Lakewood 08701
Ocean County Park was originally part of the John D. Rockefeller's vacation
estate. Many specimen trees imported by Rockefeller still stand. Biking, walking
and cross-country skiing are popular activities within the park. this
magnificent facility has a rich and fascinating history.
One hundred-acre Lake Shenandoah boast one of the most productive fishing
spots in Ocean County. The lake is trout-stocked and the park has a bait and
tackle shop that offers boat rentals. There is a boat ramp for small boat
access.
732-506-9090
Point Pleasant Canal
Municipal Boat Ramp and Angling Piers, south end of Bay Avenue, Point
Pleasant 08742
Two mile long, the Point Pleasant canal offers scenery, shoreline access and
most importantly, a portal for watercraft between the Manasquan River and Barnegat
Bay. Anglers catch all seasonal ocean fishes from this body of water. Envisioned
as part of the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway, the canal became a reality in the
mid-1920's. the early canal had no bulk heading, so locals enjoyed swimming and
cavorting along its rapidly eroding banks. After the installation of bulk heading,
the canal became dangerously swift; swimming and canoeing were banned. Principal
access is from the municipal boat ramp and angling piers located at the southern
end of Bay Avenue.
Point Pleasant Beach Fishing Fleet
Channel Drive, Point Pleasant 08742
Located around Wills Hole Thoroughfare and the Lake Louise Channel, the
commercial and party boat fishing fleet of Point Pleasant Beach offers visitors
tasty treats, hours of fun and an ever-changing maritime spectacle. Fishing for
half a day or a full day is a matter of driving up and taking one of the
numerous party boats. tackle is provided as needed. Seafood restaurants line the
areas between Broadway, Channel Drive and the inlet.
Point Pleasant Beach Coast Guard Station
61 Inlet Drive, Point Pleasant Beach 08742
Built is 1936, located on the south side of Manasquan Inlet, this station
replaces the Manasquan, Bay Head, Mantaloking, Chadwick Beach and Toms River
stations because of its ocean access and mooring facilities. The boathouse was
added in 1939, followed by the bachelor enlisted quarters in 1978. tours of the
station can be arranged in advance by phone.
732-899-0131
Gull Island County Conservation Area
Broadway, Point Pleasant Beach 08742
The park is a perfect spot for birding or a relaxing day of fishing. The park is
accessible only by boat. The island located in the middle of the Manasquan River
offers excellent sea kayaking. A parking area on Broadway offers access to the
island and the river.
732-506-9090
Manasquan Reservoir
Windeler Road, Howell Township
http://monmouthcountyparks.com/parks/squan_res.html
The Manasquan Reservoir is a source of water for the municipalities and
utilities and a natural setting for recreational activities and outdoor
pursuits. fishing, kayaking, a visitor center, plus a five-mile trail makes this
a popular spot is southern Monmouth County.
732-842-4000
Manasquan River Wildlife Management Area
NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife
P.O. Box 400
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-259-2132
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw
Located along the Manasquan river, this area ia a haven for wildlife from heavily
developed surrounding area. A car-top launch is available for boating on the
river. the river itself is stocked with brook, brown, and rainbow trout and is
the focus of the Division's sea run trout program. fishing is also good for
eels, catfish and white perch. Hunting opportunities exist for small game and
waterfowl.
Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area
3rd Avenue, Manasquan
http://www.monmouthcountyparks.com
North shore Coastal Ponds, Lakes, Inlets and Oceanfront Manasquan to Long Branch
The 52-acre Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area is the last undeveloped mixed
upland/shore on the Manasquan Inlet. Several ponds, inlets and oceanfront areas
from Manasquan to Long Branch afford great bird watching from late summer to
March. Ducks, geese, gulls and sea birds are common. Check out Stockton Lake,
Wreck Pond, Lake Como, Silver Lake and Lake Takanassee, one or two blocks inland
of the first road paralleling the ocean. Large numbers of mute swans are often
on Wreck Pond. spring Lake is trout stocked. Shark River and Inlet are good for
fishing and birding. The Belmar Marina houses the largest recreational fishing
fleet in NJ and a ramp for small boat launchings. Oceanfront access for fishing
and kayaking is available at designated sites.
732-842-4000
Beaver Dam County Park
Bridge Avenue, Point Pleasant/Brick 08742
The park offers a self-guided nature trail along Beaver Dam Creek.
732-506-9090
Copyright © 2001-
, Terry Muse 