Visitor OpportunitiesThe Refuge provides outstanding opportunities for compatible wildlife-dependent recreational activities involving hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation. At various times during the year we must close to the public to carry out wildlife management plans, so it is best to check our web site or call prior to visiting. Organized groups are requested to contact the refuge to register their visits in advance.
General GuidelinesThe refuge's headquarters is located at its Brigantine Division on the mainland, at Oceanville, New Jersey. From Route 9 in Oceanville, visitors may enter the refuge via Great Creek Road, which ends at our entry gate. Headquarters is open weekdays, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wildlife Drive and trails are open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. The Refuge receives over 200,000 visitors each year. Cumulative impacts of this many visits on wildlife and habitat can be great. To ensure that we may continue to fulfill our primary mission of protecting and managing this Refuge for the benefit of wildlife, visitors are advised to comply with these simple guidelines and regulations. Most of the Refuge's public use facilities are open only during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset). Be sure you know the hours for the area you're planning to visit. Headquarters entrance road and Wildlife Drive speed limit is 15 mph or less, as posted. Pets must be on a short, handheld leash. Pets are prohibited at Holgate and at Graveling Point. Where trails are open to the public, visitors are urged to remain on designated roads and trails, leaving adjacent habitat undisturbed for use by wildlife. Obey all signs. They are there to protect wildlife for your benefit.
The following are prohibited on the Refuge: Use of bicycles or motorized vehicles on trails. Disturbing, injuring, destroying, collecting of plants, wildlife, or other natural objects. Feeding wildlife. Picking fruits or flowers. Entering closed areas. Camping, swimming, kite-flying, fires. Horses, off-road vehicles, unlicensed motorized vehicles. Headquarters and AuditoriumThe refuge headquarters building contains information and staff offices. The auditorium offers a touch table and bird egg display. Stop in and see the most dangerous creature on the earth. Spread your wings and see how large an eagle's wingspan is. See how small a hummingbird's wingspan is. Find out how far birds fly each season by viewing our migration displays. The Headquarters and Auditorium, which are barrier free, are open weekdays 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. VehiclesTo protect fish and wildlife and the habitat upon which they depend, motor vehicles must stay on main roads and in designated parking areas. Do not drive on the dikes, service roads or off-road. ATV's, snowmobiles or other off-road vehicles are not permitted. |
Last updated:
November 6, 2009
|