Long Beach Island Guidebook & Map

36 PARKS & RECREATION AREAS Continued from page 33 ENO'S POND COUNTY PARK 330 East Lacey Road, Lacey Township 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Eno's Pond County Park opened in autumn 1998. Its 28 acres and surrounding area have a long and colorful history dating to the Colonial peri- od. The observation decks overlook Eno's Pond (which was once used as a source for ice for a hotel on the site) and are a good vantage point for viewing some of the pond's residents and visitors. Eno's Pond County Park is adjacent to part of the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge Lacey Extension, and both entities are working to develop a trail system between the two properties. Conservation area, open playing fields, nature trails, picnic area/grills, playground, restrooms, volleyball, handicapped accessible. FREEDOM FIELDS COUNTY PARK 1160 Route 539, Little Egg Harbor Township, 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Active recreation is the theme at this park. Soccer, softball, and baseball fields have been developed to meet the needs of the expanding population of southern Ocean County. Picnic areas, hiking trails, rest rooms. JAKES BRANCH COUNTY PARK AND NATURE CENTER 1100 Double Trouble Road Beachwood, (732) 281-2750 or 1-877-OCPARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Known as "The Gateway to the Pines," the 400- acre Jakes Branch County Park offers a balance of active and passive recreation opportunities. The Nature Center in the park highlights the beauty, history, and natural surroundings of the Pine Barrens. Breathtaking views of the seemingly endless pine forest can be taken in from the observation deck atop the Nature Center. Jakes Branch also offers soccer, baseball/softball, ten- nis, and basketball in addition to miles of nature trails. The tot lot, picnic grove, and open playing fields appeal to children of all ages. THE LIGHTHOUSE CENTER FOR NATURAL RESOURCE EDUCATION 7th Street and Navajo Drive Waretown, (609) 698-8003 www.experiencebarnegatbay.org Owned by the Division of Fish and Wildlife and situated on 194 acres of diverse coastal habitat adjacent to Barnegat Bay in Ocean Township, there are a variety of opportunities to explore the maritime forest, salt marsh, two tidal streams, and a freshwater impoundment on this unique site. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist for shorebirds, wading birds, waterfowl, and wood- land wildlife including fiddler crabs, songbirds, otter, turtles, deer, and fox. The Lighthouse Center is the perfect setting for groups to truly experience the natural wonders of Barnegat Bay through hands-on and meaningful contact with its resources. This former "Camp for the Blind" was purchased by the Trust for Public Land and transferred to the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife as part of their ongoing commitment to the Barnegat Bay watershed. The Natural Resource Education Foundation of New Jersey operates the Center in partnership with the NJDEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife as a premier natural resource education facility. LOCHIEL CREEK COUNTY PARK Barnegat Boulevard North (westbound side), Barnegat, 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Opened in 2014, this hidden gem covers over 177 acres of forests and wetlands. The entrance road winds among pines and blueberries into a quiet and pristine setting. Amenities include a comfort station with restrooms, ample parking, and a 1.75 mile marked nature trail. The trail highlights the park's diversity as it meanders through rolling hills that are relic sand dunes from a time when the area was a prehistoric beach. The trail also crosses Lochiel Creek, the park's namesake, which harbors populations of federally threatened wildflowers and strange carnivorous plants. Along with native orchids and wetland shrubs, there are plenty of wildflowers to see throughout the growing season. The parking area also serves as a trailhead where vis- itors can access the 6.5 contiguous miles of the Barnegat Branch Trail via a short connector trail. Jakes Branch County Park. courtesy of Ocean County Parks & Recreation

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