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State Refuges of National Distinction Some of New Jersey's natural areas and attractions have achieved national recognition. The state has two national wildlife refuges, and four national historic sites and recreation areas. And the Pinelands, making up about a fifth of the state, have been designated an international Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations. The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is 7,375 acres of protected wetlands, with limited access. There are 10 miles of trials, a half-mile boardwalk, and observation blinds. The Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center and Lord Stirling Park and Environmental Education Center offer educational activities about the park. Being a swamp, the park is extremely buggy in the heat of summer. For information and directions, call (201) 425-1222. The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. Administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, covers more than 40,000 acres of land and water along the New Jersey shore. The refuge is on the Atlantic Flyway, a main drag for migrating birds. In fact, when the piping plover nests at the Holgate wildlife area, visitors are not allowed at all. But visitors are welcome elsewhere. The refuge includes an eight-mile drive, especially popular in spring and summer, when birds are migrating or nesting. Peregrine falcons, many kinds of shorebirds, black ducks, and other wildlife can be observed. Walkers can take two short loops of foot trails. The entrance fee for the wildlife drive is $4 per car, which includes the foot trails. Walkers pay only $2. The refuge's offices are in Oceanville, between Absecon and Smithville. For information and directions, call (609) 652-1665. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area encompasses 70,000 acres straddling the Delaware River for 35 miles (the river, by the way, has been named a National Scenic River). Among its hiking trails are 25 miles of the Appalachian Trail; canoeing is also extremely popular. Kittatinny Point Visitors Center, (908) 496-4458 or (717) 588-2451. The 26,000 Gateway National Recreation Area, which includes the Sandy Hook Unit, was one of the first urban recreation areas in the country. Park rangers offer programs on the history and ecology of the area. The Sandy Hook Lighthouse is the oldest in continuous operation in the United States. (908) 872-0115. The Morristown National Historic Park is where Washington and his troops spent two awful winters. While history is the focus (it was the nation's first historic park), there are also hiking trails. Information: (201) 539-2016. The Edison National Historic Site includes Thomas Edison's laboratory in West Orange, as well as his home at Glenmont, where he worked and lived from 1887 to 1931. Information: (201) 736-0550. Copyright © 1996 Bergen
Record Corp.
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Deer Hunting
Forsythe Wildlife Refuge
Natural
& Cultural Sites: