Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

About Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

Edwin B. Forsythe Refuge was originally two distinct refuges: Brigantine and Barnegat. They were established in 1939 and 1967 respectively, to protect tidal wetland and shallow bay habitat for migratory water birds. In 1984 they were combined under the Edwin B. Forsythe name, in honor of the late conservationist Congressman from New Jersey. The refuge protects more than 48,000 acres of southern New Jersey coastal habitats which is actively managed for migratory birds. More than 82 percent of Forsythe refuge is wetlands, of which 78 percent is salt marsh, interspersed with shallow coves and bays. The refuge’s location in one of the Atlantic Flyway’s most active flight paths makes it an important link in seasonal bird migration. Its value for the protection of water birds and their habitat continues to increase as people develop the New Jersey shore for our own use. The refuge lies on the indigenous homelands of the Lenni Lenape. Lenni Lenape Indians were the first people to enjoy the wealth of seafood available in New Jersey. Lenni Lenape means “true people” in the language of the Delaware Indians.

How to Get There

The refuge's headquarters, Visitor Information Center, Wildlife Drive and main public use area is located at 800 Great Creek Road, Oceanville, New Jersey, 08231. From US 9, visitors may enter the refuge by driving east on Great Creek Road, which ends at the refuge's gate. The gate opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. Additional trails, boat launches, and public access points can be found throughout the refuge, check our website for a map of locations. The deCamp Wildlife Trail From the Garden State Parkway, take Exit 90 for County Road 549. Merge onto Chambers Bridges Road, which will become Hooper Avenue for a total of two miles. Take the left fork onto Mantoloking Road and continue for 2.5 miles. The small parking lot is located at the intersection of Adamston and Mantoloking Roads in Brick Township. Eno's Pond (joint trail with Ocean County Parks) From the Garden State Parkway north or southbound, take Exit 74 toward Forked River. Take Lacey Road east for about four miles, crossing Route 9. The entrance will be almost at the end of the road, and on your left. Barnegat Observation Platform From the Garden State Parkway, take Exit 67 and go east on Bay Avenue. Follow Bay Avenue as it turns into Plank Road and then Bay Shore Drive. Follow Bay Shore Drive around until you see a small parking lot on your right. Cedar Bonnet Island TrailFrom the Garden State Parkway (north or south), take Exit 63 (Highway 72) east toward Long Beach Island. The entrance lot is approximately 3/4

Plan Your Visit to Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

Heading to Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)