Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
Northeast Region
 

Visitor Opportunities

The Refuge provides outstanding opportunities for compatible wildlife-dependent recreational activities involving hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, environmental education and interpretation. At various times during the year we must close to the public to carry out wildlife management plans. 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.

Current Events
Gull Pond, a freshwater habitat at the Refuge Credit: Dave Blood
Gull Pond, a freshwater habitat at the Refuge. Credit: Dave Blood

General Guidelines

The refuge's headquarters and Visitor Information Center are located in the Oceanville section of Galloway Township, New Jersey. Access is from US Route 9 in Oceanville. Visitors enter the refuge via Great Creek Road. This leads to our entry gate. The Wildlife Drive, trails, and boardwalk are open 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset. Contact the refuge office at 609-652-1665 for more information.

The Refuge receives over 250,000 visitors each year. The cumulative impacts of this many visitors on wildlife and habitat can be very detrimental. To ensure that the Refuge can continue to fulfill its primary mission of protecting and managing this natural habitafor the benefit of wildlife, visitors are requested to comply with the simple guidelines and regulations listed below.

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.
Snowy Egrets take flight along Jen's Trail. Credit/Dave Blood
Snowy Egrets take flight along Jen's Trail. Photo by Dave Blood.

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 Auditorium

The refuge headquarters building contains staff offices, and is used for some programs and special events.

Visitor Information Center

The Visitor Information Center is located on the left of the entry drive. It is a state of the art, hurricane resistant, and Green building. The office of the Volunteer Coordinator is located in the Visitor Information Center. Also located in the building is the Friends of Forsythe Nature Store. Displays such as a Touch Table and Bird Paintings are in the Main Display Room. Parking is available adjacent to the Visitor Information Center. The Visitor Information Center operating hours are: Weekdays: 10:00 a. m. to 3:00 p. m.; Weekends: 9:00 a. m. to 4:00 p. m. The Visitor Information Center is closed on some Federal Holidays.

Vehicles

To 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.

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Last updated: September 2, 2011