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Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

Address

Great Creek Road, PO Box 72
Oceanville, NJ 08231

County

Atlantic

Telephone

(609) 652-1665

Description

Brigantine Wilderness Area, now part of the Edwin B. Forsythe NWR, was originally a distinct refuge. In 1984, the Brigantine Refuge was combined with the Barnegat division under the Edwin B. Forsythe name, in honor of the late congressman from New Jersey. Almost 90 percent of Forsythe Refuge is tidal salt meadow and marsh, interspersed with shallow coves and bays. These provide important resting and feeding habitat for water birds. Abundant marsh vegetation provides important food and cover for many types of wildlife. Visitors to the refuge may enjoy a wide range of wildlife- and wetlands-related activities. An 8-mile wildlife drive through a variety of wetland and upland habitats and two short-loop foot trails provide excellent opportunities to view wildlife. The Edwin B. Forsythe NWR is also ideal as an outdoor classroom for environmental education.