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   | Day Trips in Ocean County - Island Beach State ParkIsland Beach State Park is often called the "Jewel of the New Jersey Shore." With nearly 10 miles of undeveloped white sand beaches, coastal dunes and tidal marshes, Island Beach is much more than just a great beach. It is a place where wind and tide have created a unique ecosystem with a surprising array of plants and animals. In America's most populated state, it is possible to see the coast as it was when Henry Hudson first saw it is 1609. The New Jersey Park service hopes you will enjoy the many activities of this barrier Island--including swimming, hiking and fishing among others. Island Beach State Park is situated on a narrow barrier island that stretches for 9.5 miles between the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay. Sand dunes that offer habitat to maritime plants and diverse wildlife extend from the entrance of the park at Seaside Park to the tip of the island at Barnegat Inlet. Barnegat Lighthouse can be seen across the inlet from the southernmost point of Island Beach. Park visitors can enjoy the 3,00 acres of sandy beaches, maritime forest, tidal marshes and dunes.
Three Facilities offer Opportunities for Unique Learning Experience
For more information, contact: Island Beach State Park P.O. Box 37 Seaside Park, New Jersey 08752 Telephone: (732) 793-0506 There is plenty of life to find at Island Beach. From the ocean to the sky, from the ocean to the bay, no matter which way you look you will find life of some type. You will find plant life is several (9 plant communities) different stages. There is all types of fowl for you to find, especially during migration in the spring and in the fall. There are some types of birds that are common to the area. You can observe the birds by taking a short walk down one of two bird blind trails. There are even some birds that are common to the shore. These shorebirds can be seen most any time as you walk up and down the beach. Don't forget what comes from the sea. Barnegat Bay is the home or nursery of many fish, crabs, shellfish and snails. So, why not check out the life that is common to Barnegat Bay. Walk along any of our beaches and you will find the remains (Shells) of life from the sea. These Shells come in all kids of shapes, sizes and colors. Pick some up and take them home, collect them or share them. Use them in your craft projects, they make wonderful gifts. Low tide offers a better chance of getting more shells. So check the current tide chart to see what time low tide will be on the day you go. If you are lucky you might even find some sea life on the beach. This life gets washed up onto the shore by the waves. But be careful with this live sea life, we would not want anyone getting hurt. So take a moment to open your eyes to all of the beauty around you and try to find as much different life as you can. One thing that we ask as you are taking your walk is that you take care and help to protect the Island. Canoe/kayak Tours of the Sedge Islands at Island Beach State Park The Sedge Islands is a pristine wetlands area that teems with wildlife. Paddle through the sedges and see the largest Osprey colony in New Jersey along with many other species of birds. During our tour, we will be seining for marine life and digging for clams. You will be paddling four miles in approximately three hours. Canoeing/kayaking experience is required. Young paddlers must be fourteen years of age and be accompanied by an adult. All equipment is furnished by Island Beach State Park. The following items will provide you with the information that you will need to make your tour an enjoyable experience. * Meeting time at parking area 21 is 9:00am. A staff member will greet you and direct you to the launch site. Please be punctual as the tours begin on time. POLICY FOR CHILDREN ON TOUR * Children must be 14 years of age and accompanied by one adult to paddle. RESERVATION INFORMATION * Maximum number of reservations that can be made by an individual for each tour is 6. Inclement weather conditions may interfere with tour schedules. The Park gate house (732) 793-0030 is informed by 7:00 am of any changes or cancellations for that day. We are sure that you will find the tour enjoyable while also increasing your appreciation of this amazing area known as the Sedge Islands. Looking forward to seeing you!!! For any additional information, call (732) 793-1698. Courtesy NJDEP Compiled for Shore11 by Jim Shaffer |
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