By Steffen Klenk
It is no secret that South Jersey is a prime destination for nature enthusiasts. No matter which time of year you visit, it is not hard to witness the beauty and excitement of our local wildlife. Recent visitors to Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge have spotted a pair of bald eagles, nesting high above the trees, along the southern tip of Lily Lake, a rare sighting that has captured the attention of even the most amateur nature enthusiast.
The Forsythe refuge began in 1939, with the purpose of protecting the American Brant and American black ducks which frequent our region during the winter. In the 1960s, development of new homes and businesses took shape along coastal lagoon communities in Ocean Township, causing concern. A local grassroots effort was led to protect local wildlife. In 1984, after the passing of Congressman Edwin B. Forsythe, the geographically close Brigantine and Barnegat refuges merged, to become the large, forty-thousand-acre Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.
The refuge itself is fifty miles in length, consisting of habitats, wetlands, and designated wilderness areas. Visitors travel from near and far to see these remote wetlands and the many birds that travel along this intercoastal waterway. Thanks to our location of Atlantic Flyway, the refuge sees over 300 species of birds in a typical year, according to Forsythe’s Refuge Manager Virginia Rettig. “Birds that are flying either north or south, using the ocean as a boundary, see the marsh, our beaches, and our big impoundment on Wildlife Drive, so it’s a respite.” The refuge is used as a shelter for food and much needed rest.
The Atlantic Flyway, the seasonal migratory route that stretches from South America to the Easternmost reaches of Canada, is unique in that it is one of four flyways in North America. They were established to allow biologists and land managers to communicate and identify the different birds that migrate during the winter months. “It’s kind of a corridor where they are generally expected to be seen,” Rettig says.
This corridor, or route, allows the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to work closely with other partners to identify birds they might be concerned about or habitats that are important to protect. “It’s really a planning tool used to identify these important flyways that these birds already established well before we came along.”
The North American Brant is one of several duck species found along the large swath of land at Forsythe. These compact birds are hard to miss with their black beck, brown back, and pale underparts. Brants enjoy grazing on plants, relying heavily on large green algae and eelgrass as their main source of food. They often winter along estuaries, saltmarshes, and barrier islands. Gaggles of snow geese have appeared at the refuge in recent months. Seeing this species up-close can be a special treat, so be sure to have your best high-quality camera.
Ospreys can be spotted at various points along Wildlife Drive. It is not hard to find a mating pair tending to its nest during the earliest months of spring and beyond. Be on the lookout for egrets; these beautiful birds will often nest in marshes, where they feed on insects, fish, and reptiles. Hawks are frequent visitors to this remote stretch of land; seeing them in flight, with their impressive wingspan, can leave visitors in awe.
There are programs in place to manage and protect the vast area of land in Forsythe refuge. Research is being done to identify areas where the marsh may not be doing well, particularly in areas that were historically used as salt mining farms. FWS focuses on areas where the hydrology can be improved, and the marshes can be re-elevated. “It is an awesome industry, but there are long term impacts from that.” Rettig explains.
One of the biggest concerns at Forsythe is the growing concern over rising sea level, which can leave long-lasting impacts along our coastal communities. Warming temperatures and changing fish migration could play a critical role in our changing environment, and while it is not an area they deal with directly, it hits close to home. “All the bird we’re providing habitat for are going to be feeding on those fish. Our marshes are the nurseries for those fish.”
Forsythe National Wild Refuge offers visitors just a glimpse into the amazing world and habitat we are surrounded by. When you visit, be sure to check out Wildlife Drive where you will find an unparalleled view of the Atlantic City skyline, many species of birds and lush green as far as the eye can see. It is easy to spend an entire day in this exceptional part of South Jersey.
Rettig advises visitors to pack some water, your best pair of binoculars, and no preconceived notions. “You don’t have to know the bird species, you don’t have to know what you’re looking at. Some people come every day and it’s just to see green and nature. It gives you a whole different perspective on what it’s like down here.”
Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is located at 723 Great Creek Road, just off Route 9. The refuge and Wildlife Drive are open daily from Sunrise to Sunset. The Visitor Information Center is open Wednesdays – Sundays 10am-2pm and is operated by the grateful volunteers at Friends of Forsythe. Additional information can be found online at www.fws.gov/refuge/edwin-b-forsythe or on Facebook by searching for Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.
You can listen to my full interview with Virginia Rettig on the Shore Local South Jersey Shore Podcast, available now on Google Podcasts.
