Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

A family enjoys the view at the wildlife refuge, with Atlantic City in the distance.

Birdwatchers zero in on some of the refuge's many bird species.

This unique refuge protects more than 46,000 acres of southern New Jersey coastal habitats and wetlands.

The refuge extends for 50 miles along the coast from Brick to its southern boundary, five miles north of Atlantic City. At least 293 species of birds have been observed on the refuge.

About 6,000 acres of the refuge are designated as the Brigantine Wilderness Area. It contains two of the remaining undeveloped barrier beaches in the state. These fragile areas provide essential nesting and feeding habitats for the endangered piping plover, black skimmer, and least tern.

There are at least 10 locations where visitors can visit the refuge. The most popular place to view birds is the Wildlife Drive in the Brigantine Division. This eight-mile, one-way, unpaved road leads you through wetlands and woodlands. There are two observation towers and one observation deck equipped with spotting scopes to help visitors view birds.

Look for spectacular concentrations of migratory water birds in spring and fall, as they stop and linger in the refuge habitats managed to meet their needs.

Hiking trails through the forest and along a boardwalk through the salt marsh provide opportunities to get away from the car to see and hear a variety of wildlife.

An entrance fee is required to access the Wildlife Drive and its associated foot trails. School groups can request an educational fee waiver.

Bird checklists, refuge brochures, and a self-guided auto tour guide can be picked up at the entrance to the Wildlife Drive.

The refuge headquarters and Wildlife Drive are located between Absecon and Smithville off Route 9 where Great Creek Road meets the bay.