Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area located in the state of New Jersey.


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Summary

It is situated on the Atlantic Flyway, a major migration route for birds, making it a popular spot for bird-watching.

There are several good reasons to visit the refuge, including its diverse ecosystem, which includes marshes, forests, and beaches. Visitors can explore the different habitats, hike the trails, or go fishing. The refuge is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as foxes, deer, and several species of birds.

Some specific points of interest to see at the refuge include the Forsythe Wildlife Observation Tower, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding wetlands, and the Edwin B Forsythe Visitor Center, which has exhibits about the refuge's history and ecosystem.

Interesting facts about the area include its role as a critical habitat for several endangered species, including the piping plover and the red knot. The refuge was also named in honor of Edwin B Forsythe, a former congressman who was instrumental in establishing the refuge.

The best time of year to visit the refuge depends on visitors' interests. Spring and fall are popular for bird-watching, as many species pass through during migration. Summer is a good time for beachgoers, while winter offers a chance to see bald eagles and other wintering birds.

Overall, Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is a unique and beautiful destination for nature lovers and anyone looking to explore New Jersey's natural beauty.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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