The Edwin B. Forsythe’s Visitor Information Center officially opened on April 16, 2011. It houses a Gallery with hands-on displays, a nature store operated by the Friends of Forsythe, a video gallery, and offices for the Friends and the Refuge’s Volunteer Coordinator. The center is staffed by volunteers. The center’s hours are Wednesday-Sunday, 10 am to 2 pm (closed on federal holidays). Currently, the multimedia room is open for passes and items from the nature store.
Our Gift Shop
While visiting our Refuge don’t forget to stop in and browse our gift shop where you will find a great selection of field guides, books and gifts for all ages. We carry beautiful t-shirts, note cards, magnets, patches, all nature-themed. We also carry games, T-shirts and other interesting gifts for our budding young naturalists.
New to birding? We have binoculars and field guides to lend out so you can enjoy the refuge more fully.
Friend’s members receive a 10% discount.
Don’t forget to bring your Refuge Passport to be stamped.
Our Gift Shop is open the same hours as the visitor center.
Visitor information can be found inside with maps, brochures and the most recent bird sighting list. Volunteers are available to help you with any questions. Sorry, the Gift Shop does not sell any food. Bring your own reusable water bottle (or buy one here) and use our state of the art water bottle refilling station inside the gift shop.
Refuge passes, Federal Duck Stamps, and National Parks passes are available in the gift shop. Sorry, only cash and checks are accepted for passes.
The Garden Group
The Visitor Information Center is the keystone of a natural area surrounding the entrance to the Wildlife Drive, the Leeds Eco Trail and Boardwalk. Visitors can experience a native plant environment that is beneficial to resident and migratory wildlife. They are able to stroll through the garden and learn about and appreciate the natural wonders of native plants. Many of the plants are identified by natural stone markers.
The Garden Group is made up of Friends of Forsythe who enjoy working with plants. Group participants meet on a weekly basis at the Refuge. The group is involved with many projects, both new and ongoing. Members have been very busy developing the native species garden around the center.
The volunteer gardeners, with input and guidance from Refuge staff, developed a site plan. Appropriate native plants have been researched to enhance the visual appearance of the new building while establishing a natural appearance.
The soil surrounding the new building is rocky and inhospitable. This has been amended with the infusion of eco-soil obtained from the Atlantic County Utilities Authority. It has been roto-tilled to make planting possible.