Spring is here and with it comes beautiful new greenery, migratory birds, and hope for a season of new growth and harmony. Seaview Hotel is fortunate to have a front row seat to nature’s spring debut at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, an incredible preserve that protects more than 47,000 acres of southern New Jersey coastal habitats and wetlands. We’d like to give you a tour, in words, of what’s there, why the refuge is so important to us and our region, and how you can visit when you’re here. Visit Seaview and watch this season of renewal spring into action.
A Storied Past
The Edwin B. Forsythe Refuge was originally two distinct refuges: Brigantine and Barnegat. They were established in 1939 and 1967, respectively. In 1984, the two were combined under the Edwin B. Forsythe name, in honor of the late conservationist Congressman from New Jersey. Forsythe is one of more than 568 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with the aim to protect native wildlife and their habitat. The Lenni-Lenape people of South Jersey were the first to call the area home. The sites of their ‘seasonal subsistence camps’ or places where they would migrate to gather fish, clams, and oysters remain sacred and deserve our respect.
An Overview
More than 82 percent of the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is wetlands, of which 78 percent is salt marsh, interspersed with shallow coves and bays. The refuge’s location in one of the Atlantic Flyway’s most active flight paths makes it a critical link in seasonal bird migration. What does 47,000 cover? Well, it encompasses 50 miles along the coast from Brick Township to its southern border, five miles north of Atlantic City. Within that span, at least 322 species of birds have been observed, but more on them later. For any boaters out there, the refuge features a non-motorized boat launch on Lily Lake, and motorized boat access at Scotts Landing boat launch, just a stone’s through from our property here at Seaview. The refuge is open year-round, sunrise to sunset, with a visitor information center open Wednesday through the weekend 10 am to 2 pm.
Getting Access
National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unwind from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. So it’s important to us you know how to get a healthy dose of nature when you’re here. Lucky for any visitor, there are at least 10 ways you can access the refuge. Of these, the most popular place to view birds is along Wildlife Dr. in the Brigantine Division. This eight-mile, one-way, unpaved road leads you through wetlands and woodlands with two observation towers and one observation deck equipped with spotting scopes to magnify your view. You’re likely to spot a great view of the Atlantic City skyline, too!
There are also four hiking trails in the refuge, that pass through coastal wetlands, freshwater ponds, and woodlands with ample opportunities to see spectacular concentrations of migratory water birds. This time of year, is one of the best, as the water birds tend to linger longer in the lush, protective refuge habitats. Keep in mind, an entrance fee is required to access Wildlife Dr. and its associated foot trails. School groups can register for guided activities.
Serving a Purpose
The value of the refuge for the protection of water birds, their habitat, and the habitat of many other species continues to increase as we develop the New Jersey shore for our own use. When you visit, you’ll witness the natural beauty for yourself, and understand why it’s so important to protect our environment and its native species. While the refuge provides important habitat for all species, it specializes in migratory birds. Edwin B. Forsythe has a large, recorded bird list with more than 360 species sighted. Several species of waterfowl, waders, shorebirds, and seabirds can be spotted on any given day along the Wildlife Drive. The refuge supports large wintering populations of smalled numbered American black duck and Atlantic brant that rely on coastal wetlands for food and shelter. The refuge also supports one of the largest breeding populations of the federally threatened piping plover in the State of New Jersey This population utilizes some of the last remaining undeveloped coastlines in the state, located on the Holgate and Little Beach Island wilderness areas. These protected sites also support other beach-nesting birds, including American oystercatchers, least terns, black skimmers, and the common tern.
Getting Involved
Perhaps after visiting, you’ll be so inspired by what you see and experience you’ll want to become an active participant in the refuge’s preservation and conservation efforts. In fact, the refuge does offer a variety of opportunities to participate in its mission, from volunteering during beach clean-ups, to education and outreach of visitors at our Visitor Information Center. For young adults, the refuge also offers internship opportunities to college-aged students interested in wildlife management and conservation. No matter what your level of involvement, you’d discover work at the refuge focuses on understanding the needs of endangered species; developing strategies to combat climate change impacts on habitat such as sea level rise; and habitat management for a variety of species, but primarily for migratory birds.
Before you Go
It’s possible to experience Forsythe from home, before you check in to your room at Seaview, so you can know what to expect. Two interactive StoryMaps guide viewers along the Wildlife Drive Auto Tour and the Cedar Bonnet Island Trail so you can learn more about the history, wildlife, and ecology of these two incredible sites to enhance your refuge experience or to plan your future visit. Don’t take our word for it; check it out for yourself, and check in to your room at Seaview Dolce.
