By Tammy Thornton
This Gem of South Jersey isn’t exactly hidden since it extends across three counties and 50 miles of coastline. The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge protects more than 47,000 acres of Southern New Jersey Coastal habitats, and over 6,000 acres designated as wilderness area.
According to refuge sources, originally, the Brigantine and Barnegat Divisions were two distinct refuges, “created to protect tidal wetland and shallow bay habitat for migratory water birds.” The Barnegat Division, located on the inland side of the Barnegat Bay in Ocean County, was established in 1967. Much closer to our readers is the Brigantine Division in Atlantic County, established in 1939. The two refuges were combined in 1984 under the Edwin B. Forsythe name, in honor of the late conservationist/Congressman from New Jersey. The refuge headquarters, visitor information center, Wildlife Drive, and trails are located in the Oceanville section of Galloway Township.
Many animals call the refuge home year-round, while other wildlife is seasonal. Because the refuge is located on the Atlantic Flyway, birdwatchers can enjoy views of migrating birds as well as those that remain year-round. Over a hundred species of birds can be found throughout the year at the refuge.
Visitors can drive along the popular 8-mile Wildlife Drive that leads through wetlands and woodlands. You can also walk or bike the “drive”, or hike one of the four nature trails. Photography opportunities abound; if you’re lucky, you may spy a red fox, muskrat, or river otter. Recently, I went to the refuge with my family, and we were happy to see snow geese, American Black Ducks, and Atlantic Brants. If you go soon, keep an eye out for bald eagles that return to their nests or build new nests in November and December to prepare for the new breeding season (usually around late January or February).
Keena Graham, Visitor Services Manager for the refuge, likes the phrase “Our refuge is your refuge”. She feels that the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is a refuge in all senses of the word. Although it provides a safe haven for wildlife, she finds that visitors find refuge for themselves and gain peace and solace there, while getting “in touch with themselves and their environment.”
Like the Beatles, we can all get by with a little help from our friends. The Friends of Forsythe, a non-profit group established in 1998, provides much needed support and services to the refuge with a variety of projects and activities through their volunteers. “Jitney Saturdays” are among the services the Friends of Forsythe provide. On selected Saturdays throughout the year, free guided tours of Wildlife Drive are offered, complete with volunteer “interpreters” riding along to relay interesting facts about the refuge and discuss wildlife sighted. (Call ahead to reserve your spot!) The Friends of Forsythe also provides educational programs including going to local schools as well as offering field trips to the refuge. The Friends of Forsythe also works with the refuge to sponsor “Evenings at Forsythe” held the third Thursday of each month. This program gives the public an opportunity to listen and interact with environmental and wildlife professionals as they discuss topics related to the refuge and the world around us. While visiting the refuge, don’t forget to stop in the Friends of Forsythe gift shop. Volunteers are trained to answer questions and can provide recent bird-sightings lists and lend out binoculars and field guides. Of course, you can also purchase your own birding supplies, as well as nature-themed t-shirts, notecards, and books.
The refuge doesn’t go dormant in the cold months. In November, the refuge hosted the South Jersey Astronomy Club for a stargazing party, “Starry Night Skywatch.” Members of the club shared their knowledge and telescopes. Birdwatchers can also add to their list of bird sightings by joining the volunteer-led birding crew on their Friday morning bird walks at 8 a.m. Volunteers are also busy with field work. Biology team interns frequent the refuge for marsh monitoring, checking the conditions of the soil, sediment, and sea levels. Students from Stockton University, Rutgers University, and Delaware State University take advantage of the opportunity to monitor habitats at the refuge.
For more information about events at the refuge, go to www.fws.gov/refuge/edwin_b_forsythe or www.friendsofforsythe.org the location address is: 800 Great Creek Road, Galloway, NJ 08205. You may also contact the visitor’s center at 609-652-1665.
Tammy Thornton is a mom of four, a substitute teacher, and a Sunday school teacher. She is passionate about gardening and cooking, and loves the beach.
