Discover New Jersey's Hidden Plant and Wildlife Habitat Sanctuaries: Adventure Awaits!
Listed here are the leading New Jersey Plant and Wildlife Habitat Centers. Features refuges, sanctuaries, observatories and environment education centers.
While rich plant and wildlife, NJ is a relatively small state with a diverse environment of beach, coastal, river and wetland ecosystems and with it's vast network interconnected bays, rivers, estuaries and wetlands, this natural treasure is ideal for conservationists to preserve and for wildlife enthusiasts to enjoy.
Northern New Jersey Plant and Wildlife Habitat Refuges
Alonzo F. Bonsal Wildlife Preserve
33 Marquette Road
Montclair, NJ
A 20 acre wilderness and wildlife sanctuary features several nature trails that can be explored by hikers, nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and birders. Pack a lunch for a whole day of bird watching and hiking.
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
241 Pleasant Plains Road
Basking Ridge, NJ
The refuge consists of 7,768 acres of varied habitats, and the refuge has become an important resting and feeding area for more than 244 species of birds. Fox, deer, muskrat, turtles, fish, frogs and a wide variety of wildflowers and plants.The Helen Fenske Visitor Center features state-of-the-art exhibits showcasing refuge wildlife, habitats, history, and recreational opportunities.
Meadowlands Environment Center
Richard W. DeKorte Park
One DeKorte Park Plaza
Lyndhurst, NJ
The Environmental Center is committed to increasing awareness and enjoyment of our vital ecosystem. The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission (now the NJSEA) and Ramapo College of New Jersey is a partnership to develop a comprehensive environmental education program for schools and the general public. Together they encourage the use of the environment as a classroom, increase awareness of the resources of the Meadowlands, and help communities recognize the critical issues that affect the Meadowlands District. They provide "life-long" learning programs for young children, families, adults, older adults and members of the community living with disabilities
The Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary
11 Hardscrabble Road
Bernardsville, NJ
An environmental learning center that features 298 acres of woodland, field, and floodplain habitat supporting over 200 species of wildlife. It includes a tree-top level observation deck, bookstore, and exhibits. The bird-feeding station next to the building is a popular attraction for birds and bird-watchers alike, and can be viewed in comfort from the inside of the building. Well-maintained and marked trails traverse the Sanctuary, ranging in length from 0.3 miles to 1.3 miles and passing through upland deciduous forest, fields, woodland, and the floodplain along the headwaters of the Passaic River.
Teaneck Creek Conservatory
20 Puffin Way
Teaneck, NJ
The Teaneck Creek Conservancy is dedicated to the development of community activism, education in reclamation and protection of the environment, celebration of culture and the arts, and carrying on the historical legacy of the Teaneck Creek Park watershed. They have 1.3 miles of groomed trails, an Outdoor Classroom, and ecological art exhibits. Teaneck Creek Conservancy has been called the "Little Eden" of Bergen County, an oasis for both people and wildlife in the middle of suburbia.
Central New Jersey Plant and Wildlife Habitat Refuges
D&R Greenway Land Trust Johnson Education Center
One Preservation Place
Princeton, NJ
D&R Greenway Land Trust sponsors many exciting educational and professional programs for lectures, panel discussions and professional workshops designed to raise awareness about the importance of protecting land and our environment. They have protected 22,000 acres of land by preserving land for life and creating public trails, giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. Their preserved farms and community gardens provide local organic food for their neighbors. including those most in need. Their Johnson Education Center in Princeton is home to art galleries and presentations that celebrate the natural world and inspire a conservation ethic.
Plainsboro Preserve
80 Scotts Corner Road
Cranbury, NJ
The Preserve has over 1,000 acres of undisturbed open space with over 5 miles of nature trails and 50-acre McCormack Lake. Walk the floodplain of Devil's Brook in search of the more than 150 species of birds that call the preserve home during the year. It features the 6,500 sq-ft Rush Holt Environmental Education Center offers a diverse array of educational programs for organized groups and the general public, including natural history programs and workshops, slide and lecture programs, interpretive hikes, and educator workshops, serving as an outdoor classroom for schools and other groups.
The Watershed Institute
31 Titus Mill Road
Pennington, NJ
The Watershed offers more than 300 education programs and events each year aimed at building environmental literacy, and awareness of environmental issues, . Environmental education has been one of the Watershed's core programs, since the 1980s. We believe that when people learn about nature, they are more likely to appreciate and care for it. Their Watershed Nature Camp inspires an appreciation of the wonders of nature for children from Kindergarten through 9th grade.
Southern New Jersey Plant and Wildlife Habitat Refuges
Cape May National Wildlife Refuge
24 Kimbles Beach Road
Cape May Court House, NJ
Located throughout the tip of South New Jersey and along the Atlantic Flyway.
It encompasses pristine beach, bayshore, saltmarsh, and upland forest habitats. It is world famous for its spectacular migratory bird populations as well as become a crucial area for the rehabilitation of multiple threatened and endangered species.
It is open year round to the public and offer a wide variety of activities and area available for the public.
Marine Mammal Stranding Center
3625 Brigantine Blvd.
Brigantine, NJ
The Center is dedicated to responding to marine mammals and sea turtles in distress along all of New Jersey's waterways and to the rehabilitation of these animals for release back into the wild. They are committed to the well-being of marine mammals and to inspire responsible stewardship of our oceans through educational programs and collaboration. The Sea Life Museum is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center's educational visitor center and is open to the public.
Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary
3rd Ave & 114th Street
Stone Harbor, NJ
A 21.5 acre Sanctuary with hundreds of species of Colonial wading birds and song birds on view. Four trails into the sanctuary allow visitors to explore an old growth maritime forest, walk over an ancient dune system, see birds nesting and feeding, toads signing, crabs and small fish plying the salt water tributaries.
Palmyra Cove Nature Park
1300 Route 73N
Palmyra, NJ
A 250 acre urban oasis along a highly developed area on the Delaware River. Habitats include wetlands, woodlands, meadows, wild creek and river shoreline, and freshwater Tidal Cove. They feature an interactive 2,000-square-foot space with exclusive exhibits for the public to learn about science and technology, from climate change to space exploration. It provides opportunities for exploring the park and Planet Earth!
Popcorn Park Refuge
One Humane Way at Lacey Rd
Forked River, NJ
A sanctuary for animals who faced desperate circumstances and/or death. Home to over 200 animals and birds, all provided spacious living quarters and assured a lifetime of good care.
Rancocas Nature Center
794 Rancocas Road
Westampton, NJ
Located on a 210 acre piece of the Rancocas State Park, and features 3 miles of hiking trails through varied habitats including meadows, forest, and wetlands.
The Nature Center provides the area with a year-round variety of environmental education programs for all ages.
Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge
4 Sawmill Road
Medford, NJ
The Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge is a pristine 184-acre refuge, dedicated to Wildlife Rehabilitation, Environmental Education, and Habitat Preservation. The habit sits amongst upland pine and oak forests, several cedar swamps, and a lake that hosts many species of mammals and birds.
The refuge also has an environmental education and nature center with classrooms, hands-on exhibits, library and offices and wooded nature trails that link the uplands with the wetlands.
