Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

Containing more than 47,000 acres, Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is an important property along the New Jersey shoreline. Here in the middle of one of the Atlantic Flyway's busiest migration routes, the property sees thousands of birds passing through in the spring and fall. The National Wildlife Refuge is actually two units: to the north, the Barnegat Division on the inland side of Barnegat Bay, to the south, the Brigantine Division along the south bank of the mouth of the Mullica River (about 10 miles north of Atlantic City and 20 miles south of Barnegat Bay).

Most of the Edwin B. Forsythe NWR management efforts are in support of the habitat needs of the American black duck and Atlantic brant. Spring sees the water levels in the fresh water impoundments lowered to stimulate the growth of moist soil vegetation that will provide valuable seed and feed for birds when they return in the fall. In the fall, water levels are raised again to make life easier for the feeding waterfowl.

Within the Brigantine Division is the 6,600-acre Brigantine Wilderness. Brigantine Wilderness is an area of tidal wetlands that also contains Holgate and Little Beaches, two of the last undeveloped barrier beaches in New Jersey. This is an area set aside for endangered bird species like the piping plover, least tern and black skimmer to nest and raise their young in relative peace and quiet. To go to Little Beach, you need a special permit (for research or educational purposes) because the beach is closed to people all year. Holgate Beach is closed to the public only during nesting season (April 1 through August 31).