Edwin B. Forsythe
National Wildlife Refuge
At this wildlife refuge, more than 40,000 acres of coastal habitat
are protected and managed for migratory birds. Almost 90 percent of it is
tidal salt meadow and marsh, interspersed with shallow coves and bays. The
quiet tidal waters serve as nurseries, spawning, and feeding grounds for fish
and shellfish that are important to the diets of many wildlife species.
Located in one of the Atlantic Flyway’s most active flight
paths, it is an important link in the network of national wildlife refuges
administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Here, the habitat needs of the American black duck and Atlantic
brant are a special concern. Both species depend heavily on New Jersey’s
remaining coastal habitat for their survival.
An eight-mile Wildlife Drive and two short foot trails provide
excellent wildlife viewing and photo opportunities. The entrance fee helps
to buy additional wetlands for wildlife refuges.
Directions: From the north, take exit 48 of the Garden
State Parkway and follow US Route 9 south. At the third traffic light, turn
left onto Great Creek Rd. Follow it into the refuge. From the south, take
the Atlantic City Service Area exit. Follow county road 561 (Jimmie Leeds
Rd.) east to the first left fork (Great Creek Rd.), and follow it into the
refuge.
Hours: This point of interest is open daily from dawn
to dusk. The Forsythe NWR headquarters building is open weekdays from 8:00am to 4:00pm.
Telephone: (609) 652-1665
U.S. Coast Guard Station, Atlantic City
When constructed in 1941, Coast Guard Station, Atlantic City was the largest station in existence. With a crew of 44 men
and women and five boats, the station handles approximately 450 calls for
assistance annually from two locations, Atlantic City and Ocean City. Aid
is rendered to distressed boaters as far as thirty miles offshore. Missions
include: search and rescue, law enforcement, and marine environmental protection.
The station grounds include a short self-guided interpretive
walk with a handout providing information about the station’s history
and the plant and animal struggle for survival on coastal barrier islands.
A wayside interpretive exhibit explains the history of the U.S. Coast Guard and its role in providing
emergency maritime services.
Directions: The station is located at the end of Huron
Avenue. As you enter Atlantic City, follow the signs for the Trump Castle/Marina
Hotel & Casino located adjacent to the intersection of US 30 and state
road 87 (Brigantine Boulevard.)
Hours: Open daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm unless the
crew is involved in responding to an emergency call. Please note, there is
no smoking while at this facility.
Telephone: (609) 344-6594.
Senator Frank S.
Farley State Marina
The marina was originally constructed in the late 1950s as a
joint effort between the State of New Jersey and the city of Atlantic
City to revitalize the pleasure boat industry in the city. In the early
1980s, New Jersey's Division of Parks and Forestry initiated proposals
to rehabilitate Farley as it was quickly slipping from its status as
the "show place" marina of the East Coast. Budgetary constraints
contributed to its further decline and eventually lead to an agreement
between the State and Trump Castle Associates. Three and one-half years
and 30 million dollars later, Trump had demolished the old facility
and constructed a new expanded premier marina. TCA now operates Farley
under a lease agreement with the Department of Environmental Protection.
Its 640 slips are capable of berthing boats from under 20 feet to over
300 feet.
An Interpretive exhibit provides information about New
Jersey's maritime history and the changing role of marinas. Historic
Gardiner's Basin can be seen in the view south of the marina.
Directions: As you enter Atlantic City, follow
the highway directional signs to Trump Marina Hotel and Casino (located
at the intersection of US 30 and Brigantine Boulevard) and Huron Avenue
to reach the marina. It is located next to U.S. Coast Guard Station,
Atlantic City.
Hours: The marina office is open May 15 to June
30 from 7:00am to 10:00pm and July 1 to Labor Day from 7:00am to 2:00am.
Hours vary the remainder of the year.
Telephone: (609) 441-8482.
Last updated:
March 20, 2001
Back to the NJ Coastal Heritage Trail Route Home page.
