OFFICIAL SITE OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY
Environmental Education Centers
Visit the many environmental education centers across the state.
Cape May Point State Park
Cape May Point, Cape May County
The Nature Center houses exhibits displaying the natural and cultural heritage of the Cape May region. Included is an exhibit on the “Cape May Diamonds,” the smooth, clear quartz crystals found on nearby beaches. Also, on display are exhibits about bird migration, shoreline erosion, Native Americans and the marine environment.
For more information, call 609-884-215
Open daily
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Rancocas State Park
Westampton, Burlington County
Visit Rancocas Nature Center for nature artifacts, several live native reptiles, donated animal mounts, and more.
For more information, email info@rancocasnaturecenter.org or call 609-261-2495
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
High Point State Park
Wantage, Sussex County
The Interpretive Center is housed in the restored “Grey Rock Inn” which was built in the early 1930s from native stone to serve as the park restaurant and cafeteria. Today this unique building hosts exhibits about the natural and cultural history of the park, incorporating many historic photographs and post cards.
For more information, email highpointprograms@njdepwptest.net or call 973‒875‒1471
Saturday – Sunday, staff permitting
Island Beach State Park
Seaside Park, Ocean County
Forked River Interpretive and Nature Center located 7 miles into the park.
For more information, visit islandbeachnatureprograms.org or call 732-793-1315.
Summer – Open daily
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Fall – Spring – Open weekdays
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Liberty State Park
Jersey City, Hudson County
The Nature Center is an environmental and historical education facility located on Freedom Way. The center features exhibits on the natural history and ecology of the Hudson River Estuary.
For more information, please call 201-915-3400 x501 or email LSPNatureCenter@njdepwptest.net
Open daily
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Forest Resource Education Center (FREC)
Jackson, Ocean County
FREC provides forestry education and recreation on 900 acres with 8.8 miles of trails in the north edge of the pine barrens. The Interpretive Center is 300’ from the trout stocked Toms River tributary, adjacent to the State Forest Nursery, and has a museum quality display area as well as a modern multimedia equipped classroom.
For information: 732-928-2360 or FREC@njdepwptest.net
Trails open Sunrise to Sunset
Center open weekdays 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Brendan T Byrne State Forest
New Lisbon, Burlington County
The Nature Center features nature displays on NJ’s beautiful Pine Barrens ecosystem.
For more information, visit the Facebook page or call 609-726-1191
Memorial Day – Labor Day
Open Daily
April, May, September, October
Open weekends
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Parvin State Park
Pittsgrove, Salem County
Visit the Interpretive Nature Center to discover Parvin’s special habitat on the edge of the pine barrens ecoregion. The center is located off of Forest Road (Blue Trail) across from the group camping area.
For more information visit the Facebook page or call 856-358-8616
Open seasonally
Washington Crossing State Park
Titusville, Mercer County
The Nature Interpretive Center houses a collection of live and preserved wildlife specimens, nature dioramas, light board identification games, a computer learning station, nature charts, books and a live observation honey bee hive.
For more information, call 609-737-0609
Batsto Village, Wharton State Forest
Hammonton, Atlantic County
The Annie M. Carter Interpretive Center, located on the banks of Batsto Lake, offers a variety of programs and displays on wildlife and plant life within the forest.
For more information, call 609-884-215
Cheesequake State Park
Matawan, Monmouth County
The Interpretive Center features live displays of animals as well as local history. The center is located a short distance from the trailhead parking area on the Red/Green/Blue trail.
For more information, call 732-566-3208
Greenwood Observatory
at
Jenny Jump State Forest
Hope, Warren County
The United Astronomy Clubs of NJ operates the observatory which is located within Jenny Jump State Forest.
Saturday nights
April – October
8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
View the program schedule or contact info@uacnj.org for more information.
Paul Robinson Observatory
at
Voorhees State Park
Glen Gardner, Hunterdon County
The New Jersey Astronomical Association operates the observatory which has one of the largest privately owned telescopes in New Jersey.
Saturday nights
June – October
8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
View the program schedule
John W. H. Simpson Observatory
at
Washington Crossing State Park
Titusville, Mercer County
The Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton, Inc. operates the observatory which is located within Washington Crossing State Park. Friday night programs educate the public about the wonders of the universe.
Friday nights
April – October
8:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Check the Observatory’s Twitter page for cancellations due to weather or clouds.
Also see Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education’s Environmental Facilities Interactive Map