The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is made up of over 43,000 acres of southern New Jersey coastal land (see PDF map). Here, habitats are actively protected and managed for migratory birds as administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Refuge's location is in one of the Atlantic Flyway's most active flight paths for migratory birds.

Most of Forsythe Refuge is tidal salt marsh with shallow coves and bays that provide an important resting and feeding habitat for water birds. The quiet tidal waters serve as nurseries, spawning and feeding grounds for fish and shellfish, important in the diets of many wildlife species. An assortment of marsh vegetation also provides important food and cover for wildlife.

The Brigantine division offers an 8-mile loop road (see PDF map), and two foot trails where you'll have excellent wildlife viewing and photo opportunities. It also has 1,415 acres of fresh and brackish-water marsh habitat for wildlife, to attract and support a wider variety of wildlife than the salt marsh alone. An Information Office and Auditorium are in the Refuge headquarters building, open weekdays 8:00PM to 4:00PM.

The one-way loop road is of dirt, and the speed limit is 15 MPH, although most vehicles go even slower. There is ample space for stopping to observe and/or take photos. Hikers and bikers also traverse the road, though when the greenheads (biting flies) are out, it might be more judicious to stay in the car! Many, many species of birds, from songbirds to eagles, can be found here at different seasons.

Here are some photos from an early September visit: