Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1259477
32 7 miles of trails, many offering lovely vistas of Barnegat Bay. Cattus Island is home to the Cooper Environmental Center, where visitors of all ages can enjoy hands-on displays including a live view osprey cam, a habitat and tree tunnel, a bird view- ing area, a children's activity corner, and a spectac- ular collection of live reptiles and fish. The center hosts numerous programs and presentations for the community year-round. EDWIN B. FORSYTHE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Headquarters: Brigantine Division 800 Great Creek Road (off 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 hiking 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 Parking Area: 391 Third Avenue Manasquan; Activity Center: 383 Third Avenue, Manasquan (732) 922-4080 or (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com This 55-acre site, the last undeveloped tract on the Manasquan Inlet, is a great place for fisher- men, kayakers, wildlife enthusiasts, and beach- goers. Formerly but still locally known as "Dog Beach," dogs are only permitted in designated areas and must be on a leash at all times. GULL ISLAND COUNTY PARK AND CONSERVATION AREA 419 Broadway, Point Pleasant Beach 1-877-OC PARKS or (732) 506-9090 www.oceancountyparks.org This diminutive park, situated along the busy waters of the Manasquan River, is directly across from the 48-acre conservation area and is wonder- ful location for bird watching, a picnic lunch, or fishing. Handicapped accessible. HENRY HUDSON TRAIL Northern Section: Aberdeen to Highlands Southern Extension: Freehold to Marlboro and Aberdeen Activity Center: 945 Route 36, Leonardo Popamora Point: 369 Shore Drive Highlands, (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com This paved, 10-foot wide, 24-mile long trail is a former railroad right-of-way. It is relatively flat, traveling through both man-made and natural envi- ronments. Much of the trail is tree-lined, though some parts have views of surrounding wetlands, streams, and fields. The northern section runs 12 miles (just north of and parallel to Route 36) from the Aberdeen/Keyport border at the intersection of Lloyd Road and Clark Street to the Leonardo section of Middletown/Atlantic Highlands border at Avenue D. After sharing the road, the trail resumes at the Atlantic Highlands Marina and continues along Sandy Hook Bay to Popamora Point at the Atlantic Highlands/Highlands border. Currently, the southern extension of the trail runs 4 miles from Route 537 in Freehold to Big Brook Park in Marlboro. The trail then resumes at Station Road in Marlboro and continues for five miles to Church Street in Matawan. Future plans for the Trail include linking these two sections as well as providing a connection to the original, northern section. The trail totals 100 acres. The Henry Hudson Trail is part of the National Rails-to-Trails Network because of its wonderfully changing landscapes, varied scenery, and beautifully maintained conditions. PARKS & RECREATION AREAS Continued from page 31 HOLMDEL PARK AND HISTORIC LONGSTREET FARM 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel (732) 946-3758 or (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com This 572-acre park features hiking and fitness trails, fishing and skating ponds, tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic areas, a sledding hill, and more. Historic Longstreet Farm, located in the park, is a living history farm that maintains life as Island Beach State Park. Lisa McCabe