Both the harbor and river were named for the shorebird and waterfowl eggs
covering their meadows. During the American Revolution, privateers hid here.
Established as a National Park Service site in 1992, Great Egg Harbor National
Wild and Scenic River is one of nation's best birding spots. Local
jurisdictions administer its lands. The 129-mile river system flows through
Pinelands National Reserve.

Both the harbor and river were named for the shorebird and waterfowl eggs covering their meadows. During the American Revolution, privateers hid here. Established as a National Park Service site in 1992, Great Egg Harbor National Wild and Scenic River is one of nation's best birding spots. Local jurisdictions administer its lands. The 129-mile river system flows through Pinelands National Reserve.

Bird's eye view of the park

Great Egg Harbor River

Edwin B. Forsythe Refuge was originally two distinct refuges: Brigantine and
Barnegat. They were established in 1939 and 1967 respectively, to protect
tidal wetland and shallow bay habitat for migratory water birds. In 1984 they
were combined under the Edwin B. Forsythe name, in honor of the late
conservationist Congressman from New Jersey. The refuge protects more than
48,000 acres of southern New Jersey coastal habitats which is actively managed
for migratory birds. More than 82 percent of Forsythe 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 an important link in seasonal bird migration. Its value for the
protection of water birds and their habitat continues to increase as people
develop the New Jersey shore for our own use.

The refuge lies on the indigenous homelands of the Lenni Lenape. Lenni Lenape
Indians were the first people to enjoy the wealth of seafood available in New
Jersey. Lenni Lenape means “true people” in the language of the Delaware
Indians.

Edwin B. Forsythe Refuge was originally two distinct refuges: Brigantine and Barnegat.  They were established in 1939 and 1967 respectively, to protect tidal wetland and shallow bay habitat for migratory water birds. In 1984 they were combined under the Edwin B. Forsythe name, in honor of the late conservationist Congressman from New Jersey.  The refuge protects more than 48,000 acres of southern New Jersey coastal habitats which is actively managed for migratory birds. More than 82 percent of Forsythe 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 an important link in seasonal bird migration. Its value for the protection of water birds and their habitat continues to increase as people develop the New Jersey shore for our own use. The refuge lies on the indigenous homelands of the Lenni Lenape. Lenni Lenape Indians were the first people to enjoy the wealth of seafood available in New Jersey. Lenni Lenape means “true people” in the language of the Delaware Indians.

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

Established in 1989, Cape May National Wildlife Refuge provides critical
habitat to a wide variety of migratory birds and other wildlife. It supports
317 bird species, 42 mammal species, 55 reptile and amphibian species, and
numerous fish, shellfish and other invertebrates. Its value for the protection
of migratory birds and their habitat will continue to grow as wildlife habitat
along the Jersey Shore is developed into roads, shopping centers and housing
developments. Cape May Peninsula's unique configuration and location
concentrate songbirds, raptors and woodcock as they funnel south to Cape May
Point during their fall migration. Faced with 12 miles of water to cross at
the Delaware Bay migrants linger in the area to rest and feed until favorable
winds allow them to cross the Bay or head north along the Bay's eastern shore.
The refuge has been designated a “Flagship Project” of the North American
Waterfowl Management Plan, identified as an Important Bird Area (American Bird
Conservancy), incorporated with in the DE Bay site of Hemispheric Significance
(Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network), and is located within the
portion of the DE Bay watershed that is designated a Wetland of International
Importance

Established in 1989, Cape May National Wildlife Refuge provides critical habitat to a wide variety of migratory birds and other wildlife. It supports 317 bird species, 42 mammal species, 55 reptile and amphibian species, and numerous fish, shellfish and other invertebrates. Its value for the protection of migratory birds and their habitat will continue to grow as wildlife habitat along the Jersey Shore is developed into roads, shopping centers and housing developments. Cape May Peninsula's unique configuration and location concentrate songbirds, raptors and woodcock as they funnel south to Cape May Point during their fall migration. Faced with 12 miles of water to cross at the Delaware Bay migrants linger in the area to rest and feed until favorable winds allow them to cross the Bay or head north along the Bay's eastern shore. The refuge has been designated a “Flagship Project” of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, identified as an Important Bird Area (American Bird Conservancy), incorporated with in the DE Bay site of Hemispheric Significance (Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network), and is located within the portion of the DE Bay watershed that is designated a Wetland of International Importance

Great Egg Harbor River

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Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

Cape May National Wildlife Refuge