Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

Edwin B. Forsythe Refuge was originally two distinct refuges, Brigantine and Barnegat, 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, actively managed for migratory birds. More than 82 percent of Forsythe is wetlands, of which 78 percent is salt marsh, interspersed with shallow coves and bays. Its location in one of the Atlantic Flyway's most active flight paths makes it an important link in seasonal bird migration, and its value for the protection of water birds and their habitat continues to increase as people develop the New Jersey shore. The refuge lies on the indigenous homelands of the Lenni Lenape, 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.