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42 nature lovers, this 500-acre park offers panoramic bay views, hiking trails, a boardwalk through the wetlands, a conservation area, bird watching, crabbing and fishing, picnic areas, a playground, a beautiful Butterfly Garden, and cross-country skiing in the winter. This environmentally sensitive park boasts miles of trails, many offering lovely vistas of the adjacent Silver Bay. Cattus Island is home to the Cooper Environmental Center, where visitors of all ages can enjoy the many displays and collections of snakes and reptiles, as well as numerous programs and presentations. Currently, the center is closed due damaged caused by Superstorm Sandy. CHEESEQUAKE STATE PARK 300 Gordon Road (GSP Exit 120 off of Morristown Road), Matawan (732) 566-2161 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/ parks/cheesequake.html Cheesequake State Park's uniqueness lies in its geographical location. Not only is it situated in the middle of urban north and suburban south New Jersey, it lies in a transitional zone between two different ecosystems. Open fields, saltwater and freshwater marshes, a white cedar swamp, Pine Barrens, and a northeastern hardwood forest are the main characteristics of the park. Nature Center, trails, camping, fishing, picknicking, boat- ing, canoeing, swimming, winter sports. DEEP CUT GARDENS 152 Red Hill Road, Middletown (732) 671-6050 or (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com Deep Cut Gardens is dedicated to the home gar- dener. The 54 acres of gardens and greenhouses are planned as a living catalog of cultivated and native plant materials to be observed through the seasons. Whether identifying the specimens in the gardens, questioning the horticultural staff, or perusing the books and magazines in the horticultural reference library, you will discover ways to improve your home garden. While there, visit the Home Compost Demonstration Area. Views of the surrounding countryside, shade, seating, and picnic tables. DOUBLE TROUBLE STATE PARK Double Trouble Road West, Berkeley or 581 Pinewald Keswick Road Bayville, (732) 341-6662 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/ parks/double.html Double Trouble State Park offers an outstanding example of the Pine Barrens ecosystem and a win- dow into Pine Barrens history. The park provides the protection and interpretation of over 8,000 acres of significant natural, cultural, and recre- ational resources representative of the Pinelands National Reserve. Rich with natural and cultural heritage, visitors can enjoy trails, fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, and kayaking. Double Trouble Village is a well-preserved historic village featuring New Jersey's cranberry agriculture, logging, and milling industries. Experience the cranberry bogs, restored village buildings, and Interpretive Center. The park open 8:00 AM to dusk. The Interpretive Center is open Wed. - Sun. 10:00 AM - 3:45 PM. EDWIN B. FORSYTHE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Headquarters: Brigantine Division Route 9, Oceanville, (609) 652-1665 deCamp Wildlife Trail: intersection of Mantoloking and Adamston Roads Brick Township Barnegat Observation Platform: Bay Shore Drive, Barnegat www.fws.gov/refuge/edwin_b_forsythe/ Established to protect tidal wetlands and shallow bay habitats for migratory water birds, the ref- uge's location is one of the Atlantic Flyway's most active flight paths. Its value for the protection of water birds and their habitat continues to increase as people develop the Jersey Shore for their own use. Wildlife drive and trails are open seven days- a-week from sunrise to sunset. Headquarters is open weekdays, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. FISHERMEN'S COVE CONSERVATION AREA 391 Third Avenue, Manasquan (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com This 55-acre site, the last undeveloped tract on the Manasquan Inlet, is a great place for fishermen, kayakers, wildlife enthusiasts, and beach-goers. Locally known as "Dog Beach," dogs are permitted in designated areas only. PARKS & RECREATION AREAS Continued from page 41 A heron at Hartshorne Woods Park in Middletown. Paul Scharff