Just minutes from the beaches, casinos and busy shore towns of South Jersey lies a very different world. At the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, visitors can trade crowds and traffic for quiet marshes, winding trails and some of the best wildlife viewing in the state.
Covering more than 47,000 acres along New Jersey’s Atlantic coast, the refuge stretches from Atlantic County into Ocean County and protects one of the largest remaining coastal habitats in the region. Named in honor of former Congressman Edwin B. Forsythe in 1984, the refuge serves as an important sanctuary for wildlife while offering year-round opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The landscape is dominated by salt marshes, which make up the majority of the refuge. These wetlands provide food, shelter and nesting areas for hundreds of species of birds, fish and other wildlife. More than 320 bird species have been recorded within the refuge, making it a favorite destination for birdwatchers from throughout the Northeast.
In the summer, ospreys circle overhead carrying fish back to their nests, while great egrets, snowy egrets and great blue herons stalk the shallow waters in search of a meal. Shorebirds gather along mudflats, and visitors occasionally spot bald eagles soaring above the marshes.
One of the refuge’s most popular features is its 8-mile Wildlife Drive. The self-guided route winds through the heart of the marshlands and provides numerous opportunities to observe wildlife without leaving the vehicle. Pull-off areas allow visitors to stop, take photographs and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding wetlands.
Those looking to explore on foot will find several trails that pass through woodlands, freshwater habitats and marsh-edge environments. Observation towers and boardwalks offer elevated views of the landscape and provide excellent vantage points for wildlife photography. On clear days, visitors can even see the Atlantic City skyline rising above the horizon, creating a striking contrast between urban development and protected natural habitat.
The refuge also plays an important role in conservation. Located along the Atlantic Flyway, it provides critical resting and feeding areas for migratory birds traveling between breeding and wintering grounds. Its wetlands also help improve water quality, reduce flooding and support a diverse ecosystem that benefits wildlife throughout the region.
Whether spending an afternoon on the Wildlife Drive, hiking a trail or simply enjoying the sights and sounds of the marsh, visitors will find plenty of opportunities to slow down and experience South Jersey’s natural beauty.
The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is open year-round. For more information, call 609-652-1665 or visit the refuge’s visitor center and gift shop.
Gary Mazin is a long time Ventnor resident. He has a love of writing, reading comic books and watching movies. He is a published author and is a graduate of both ACCC and New York Film Academy.
