Ecotourism: explore the natural and cultural resources of the Barnegat Bay watershed
The beaches, boardwalks, resorts, and theme parks of Ocean County are tourism hot spots. But whether you are visiting or live here all year round, there are also wealth of ecotourism opportunities in the Barnegat Bay watershed to enjoy.
What is ecotourism?
In general, it is responsible travel that encompasses natural and cultural resources, while conserving and sustaining natural habitats and local economies. Ecotourists are often looking for a place where they can leave the stressful modern world behind and experience nature, or experience the cultural/traditional history of a place. Such divergent themes as maritime history, lighthouses, natural centers, fish ports, and decoy carving are all components. Ecotourism can also be hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hunting, or birding.
From north to south, east to west, the Barnegat Bay watershed abounds with opportunities to experience diverse natural habitats and cultural and heritage sites.
So where should you begin? Check out the following web-resources to help you get started.
- NJ Division of Parks and Forestry: Find a Park (click on the "Shore" part of the map)
- NJ Division of Parks and Forestry: Passport to Adventure
- Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation
- Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge (locations in the Barnegat Bay watershed from Brick to Tuckerton)
- Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission
- The Pinelands Preservation Alliance: Exploring the Pinelands
- Tuckerton Seaport
- Viking Village
Related Links
- The Parkday Organization – search all publicly-owned natural areas in New Jersey by county, zip code, recreational activity, or park name
- New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism – click on the “Shore” section of the map