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Overview

Forsythe Refuge's Brigantine and

Barnegat Divisions were originallytwo distinct refuges, established in1939 and 1967 respectively, to protecttidal wetland and shallow bay habitatfor migratory water birds. In 1984they were combined under theEdwin B. Forsythe name, in honor ofthe late conservationist Congressmanfrom New Jersey.

The refuge's location in one of theAtlantic Flyway's most active flightpaths makes it an important link inthe vast network of national wildliferefuges administered nationwideby the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.Its value for the protection of waterbirds and their habitat continues toincrease as people develop the NewJersey shore for our own use.

Marshes andWater Birds

More than 82 percent of Forsythe'refuge is wetlands, of which 78percent is salt marsh, interspersed

'with shallow coves and bays. Theseare important resting and feedinghabitats, as abundant marsh plantsprovide food and cover for water birdsand other wildlife. The quiet tidalwaters serve as nurseries, spawningand feeding grounds for fish andshellfish which are important in thediets of many wildlife species-andof people!

At the Brigantine Division, refuge staffhave used the management techniqueof "diking" to create 1,415 acres ofimpounded fresh- and brackish-water marsh habitat in the heart ofnaturally occurring tidal salt marsh.We created these wetlands to supporta wider variety of wildlife than couldnative salt marsh alone. Water levelsin the impoundments are managed toenhance the resources on which wildlifedepend. In spring, refuge staff drawthe water down to maximize growth

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Atlantic brant

Wildlife andHabitats...Diversity isCritical

New Jersey coastal wetlands havelong been the preferred habitat ofI arge numbers of Atlantic brant andthe American black duck-a specieswhich has suffered major populationleclines over the years. Refuge saltmarshes provide important nestinghabitat for rails.

While the refuge's primary concernis to meet the habitat needs of thesespecies, we manage refuge habitats toSsupport a wide variety of water birdsand other wildlife. Special emphasis isalso placed on protection and habitatmanagement for the endangered andthreatened bird species which nest here. Great blue heron

of plants beneficial to waterfowl.The drawdown also provides mudflat feeding habitat for shorebirdsand wading birds. We reflood theimpoundments just in time for thearrival of fall migrants.

Each spring and fall tens ofthousands of migrating ducks andgeese, wading birds and shorebirdsconcentrate here. They linger torest and feed on the rich resourcesprovided by our managed impound-ments, thus providing Wildlife Drivevisitors with spectacular viewingand photo opportunities. Severalmigratory species, including theclapper rail, willet, and black duck,remain at the refuge throughsummer to nest and raise theiryoung. Atlantic brant and blackducks also overwinter here.

Peregrine falcons and ospreysfrequent refuge wetlands and takeadvantage of the nesting platforms

\ erected for their use.

Bald eagles use refuge habitats alongthe Mullica River, and occasionallyforage over refuge impoundments.

Barrier Beachesand EndangeredBeachnesters

More than 6,000 acres of the refugeare designated as a NationalWilderness Area. This includesHO~ e and Liiae"i, two ofthe few remaining undevelopedbarrier beaches in New Jersey. Theyprovide essential nesting and feedinghabitat for the rare piping plover,black skimmer and least tern. Thesebirds, along with other beach-nestingspecies, have suffered drasticpopulation declines as human beachdevelopments and recreational useshave eliminated the habitat theyneed. Forsythe Refuge is one of theirlast strongholds.

The dunes, prime nesting habitat,constantly shift and change as theforces of wind and wave action moldthem. Beach grasses, which trapblowing sand and stabilize the dunes,provide important cover for wildlife,especially developing young birds.Use by humans and their pets canresult in severe erosion, loss of

1habitat, and harm to beach-nestingbirds.

The refuge manages its fragilebeach areas for the rare birds whichdepend on them. In order to minimizedisturbance to the birds and theirhabitat, this management includeslimiting or prohibiting public access.Holgate is closed to all public useduring nesting season; Little Beach isclosed all year except by special usepermit for research or education.

Almost 5,000 acres of the refuge arewoodlands dominated by such treespecies as pitch pine, oaks, and whitecedar. Fields are maintained in themidst of these wooded communitiesto provide habitat for grassland-nesting birds, and to increase habitatdiversity.

Forests, Swampsand Fields

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Osprey

A wide variety of upland wildlifespecies, including songbirds,woodcock, white-tailed deer and boxturtles, frequent these upland areas.Waterfowl such as black ducks oftennest here.

Nature Trails

Woodcock

Leeds Eco-Trail: A scenic half-mileloop foot path through salt marsh andwoodlands offers visitors a chance toview "life on the edge" of these twointeresting habitats. Marsh segmentsof the trail are boardwalked, and thefirst 700 ft. is wheelchair accessible.

Akers Woodland Trail: A quarter-mile easy walking path through nativewoodlands provides many seasonalopportunities to see migrating warblers.

Jen's Trail: A three quarter-mile loopwith a thirty-five foot elevation gainprovides great views of the refuge andis a good place to see forest birds.

Songbird Trail: This one and a half-mile trail through a variety of uplandhabitats is an outstanding hike to viewmigratory songbirds. By returningalong the wildlife drive, you can choosedifferent loop options such as a two anda half-mile loop from Jen's trail or a four-mile loop from refuge headquarters.

Headquarters and Auditorium: Therefuge headquarters building containsinformation and staff offices. Anauditorium offers an interesting array ofseasonally changing wildlife displays.

Self-Service Visitor InformationArea: Provides brochures, as well aswildlife sightings and other importantinformation.

Environmental Education: Pleasecontact the refuge to find out aboutour offerings for schools and groupsseeking environmental educationactivities.

Enjoying the Visitors enjoy a wide range ofRefuge wildlife-dependent activities at

Forsythe Refuge.

Wildlife Observation, Photographyand Nature Study

At the BrigantineDivision

Most of the refuge's public usefacilities are located at the BrigantineDivision headquarters area inOceanville, open daily sunrise tosunset. This site provides exceptionalwildlife viewing, photography,and environmental educationopportunities. Accessible rest roomsare available.

Wildlife Drive:The most popular place to view wildlifeon the refuge is the Wildlife Drive.This eight-mile, one-way, unpavedroad leads you through wetlandsand woodlands. Look for spectacularconcentrations of migratory waterbirds in spring and fall, as they stopand linger in refuge habitats managedto meet their needs. There are norestrooms or drinking facilities onthe drive. reuow-rumpea waroter

Edwin B. ForsytheNational Wildlife Refuge ,

Toms Rivei

a Refuge Headquarters

D Boat Ramp

W Wildlife Observation Area

* Self-guided Nature Trail

U Fishing

LEGENDH Hiking

SAccessible

SCanoeing/Kayalking

• Photography

* Auto Tour

0 Bicycling

Q Crabbing

Barnegat Division

Brigantine Division

Water

Eno's Pond

Barnegat Division Office1-Bridge to NowhereIM ei 5

Cedar Run Dock RoadGmo _C

Beach Haven

Parker Run Dock Road

Holgate

' Graveling Point

Scotts Landing00Ea

Refuge HeadquartersC30Gm8

Brigantine

1 Miles 50 KMnam .5

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IAtlantic City

At the Barnegat Wildlife viewing opportunitiesDivision are seasonal in some areas of the

Barnegat Division, and year-roundin others.

The Holgate Unit: a pristine barrierbeach located at the southern tip ofLong Beach Island, offers visitorsseasonal opportunities to observe itsremarkable living plant and animalcommunities.

During non-nesting season-approximately September 1 throughMarch 31-visitors are welcome towalk Holgate's beach front, to takeadvantage of its plentiful wildlifeviewing opportunities. (Sorry, pets areprohibited-they can be harmful toboth wildlife and this fragile habitat.)

During the nesting season-April1 through August 31-Holgate isclosed to all public access, to ensureundisturbed nesting conditions forthreatened piping plovers and otherbeachnesters. (Holgate is one of thelast nesting sites still available forthese birds along the Jersey Shore.)

Barnegat Observation Platform:From this accessible boardwalk andoverlook, visitors can see resting andfeeding migratory birds in freshwaterwetlands. Platform is located on BayShore Drive between Ridgeway andEdison Avenues east of Route 9.

A one-mile self-guidednature trail loops its way throughpine barrens to observation decksand a wildlife blind. The trail is apartnership between Ocean CountyParks and Recreation and EdwinB. Forsythe NWR. A half-mile ofthe loop, on the county side, is anaccessible trail.

The deCamp Wildlife Trail: Thisone-mile foot trail, located atMantoloking and Adamston Roads inBrick Township, offers visitors year-round opportunities to experience thetranquil beauty of refuge woodlandsand wildlife. Its first 1300 feet are wideand flat, with benches-and becomingmoderately more difficult thereafter.

Hunting, Fishing, and Crabbing

Seasonal waterfowl and deer hunting,fishing, and crabbing are permittedin designated areas of both theBrigantine and Barnegat Divisions,under Federal and State regulation.Boats may be launched at theBrigantine Division's Scotts Landingboat ramp, located at the end ofScotts Landing Road, off Moss MillRoad, at Leeds Point.

Please contact refuge headquartersfor additional information,regulations and maps.

Note: Best wildlife viewing occurs in springand fall.

Bird checklists, Wildlife Drivebrochures, and a leaflet describingHolgate's seasonal regulations areavailable.

Biting insects abound from mid-Maythrough mid-October. Ticks occurall year, and are most active duringwarmer months. Some ticks may carryLyme disease, known to be harmfulto humans. Insect repellent and othersafety precautions are recommended.Piping plover chick

ImportantInformationfor Visitors IThe refuge receives more than

200,000 visits each year. Qumatimw-impacts of this many visits on wildlifeand habitat can be great. To ensurethat we may continue to fulfill ourprimary mission of protecting andmanaging this refuge to supportwildlife for the benefit of present andfuture generations of people, visitorsmust comply with these simpleguidelines and regulations.

The refuge's public use areas areopen only during daylight hours(sunrise to sunset).

Visitors are urged to remain ondesignated roads and trails, leavingadjacent habitat undisturbed for useby wildlife.

Headquarters entrance road andWildlife Drive speed limit is 15 mphor less, as posted.

Pets must be on a short, handheld

leash at all times where permitted.

Pets are prohibited at Holgate.

Disturbing, injuring destroying,collecting of plants, wildlife or othernatural objects.

Feeding wildlife.

Picking fruits or flowers.

Entering closed areas.

Use of bicycles or motorized vehicleson trails.

Camping, swimming, kite-flying, fires.

Horses, off-road vehicles,unregistered motorized vehicles.

A Guide toSeasonal WildlifeActivity

Year-round

Although migratory and otherseasonal wildlife events are describedbelow by month for easy reference,actual timing can vary from year toyear due to weather conditions andother factors.

White-tailed deer and other residentspecies may be visible in refugehabitats in virtually any season.

The followingare prohibitedon the refuge: White-tattea deer in vetvet

January andFebruary

Limited wildlife visibility. Best duringthaws. Possible sightings of blackducks, snow geese, Atlantic brant,diving ducks, raptors (perhaps a baldeagle). Cold weather may freezerefuge waterways, forcing waterfowlsouthward to find open water. Theseason's first killdeers and red-wingedblackbirds may arrive in February.

lRed-unnged blackbzrct

August

September

October

Early November

Mid-NovemberthroughDecember

Best opportunities to see shorebirdsand warblers heading south. Wadingbirds gather for migration.

Ducks gather in large flocks.Blue-winged teal will be the first tomigrate this month.

Snow geese begin to arrive in refugewetlands.

Spectacular concentrations of ducksand geese in refuge impoundments;numbers can exceed 100,000!

Peak snow goose and Atlantic brantnumbers. Ducks and geese movingsouth. Bald eagle sightings mostlikely in December.

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Cedar waxwings

March 20 toApril 15

April 20 toMay 30

Early May

May and June

Mid-June toMid-July

Northbound waterfowl migration.Spring peepers and other frogspecies begin their courtship calls infreshwater wetlands. Beach-nestingbirds, including piping plovers, arriveon refuge beaches. (Holgate closes toall public entry April 1.)

Wading birds and shorebirds begin toarrive; glossy ibis numbers peak inlate April.

Greatest diversity and peak numbersof warblers in refuge uplands,coinciding with the seasonallyincreasing insect populations whichare a major part of their diet.

Horseshoe crabs spawn on refugebay shores and beaches. Migratingruddy turnstones arrive to forage onthe crab eggs. Turtles may be seenlaying eggs in the soft dirt alongrefuge roadways, or sunbathing onroads and wetland edges. Drivecarefully.

Peak of duckling hatch. Theseyoung birds will migrate with adultsthis fall.

Snow goose

Refuge Volunteers Volunteers assist biologists, staffthe headquarters information desk,guide tours, conduct environmentaleducation activities, and maintaintrails and facilities. For moreinformation or an application, call609/748 1535.

An entrance fee is required to accessthe wildlife drive and its associatedfoot trails. Those visitors carrying aForsythe Annual Pass, Federal DuckStamp, Golden Age, Golden Eagle,Golden Access, or a National parksPass with upgrade stamp are notrequired to pay the entrance fee.Refuge officers routinely conductcompliance checks, and individualsentering the refuge without a validentrance pass will be cited.

Remember, your entrance fees helpto protect wetlands, support refugemanagement programs for wildlife,and wildlife-dependent recreationalopportunities for you!

ZBlack skimmer

Friends ofForsythe NWRGift Shop:

Friends Group

Refuge EntranceFees-Enacted toHelp Wildlife

Open weekends in the spring and fall,the gift shop offers birding supplies,gifts, and binocular rentals. Entrancepasses are also available.

The Friends of Forsythe NWR is anon-profit group established in 1998to provide support and services to therefuge. For more information or tojoin the Friends, writeFriends of Forsythe NWR,PO. Box 355, Oceanville NJ 08231or phone 609/641 4671or visit the Web site athttp://www.friendsofforsythe.org/

In response to the staggering loss ofwetlands in the United States, in 1986Congress authorized the U.S. Fish &Wildlife Service to charge entrancefees at some national wildlife refuges.The monies are used to supportrefuge operations-especiallywildlife-dependent public uses-andto purchase wetlands for inclusioninto the refuge system.

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Great egret