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Visit The Ecocenter

Welcome to the Barnegat Bay EcoCenter, located at 117 Haines Rd. in the heart of the Toms River Waterfront District. Our EcoCenter offers a range of unique and engaging programs for people of all ages, providing opportunities to connect with nature, learn, and take action.

Plan Your Visit

  • Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Outdoor Spaces: Open daily from dawn to dusk
Discover Upcoming Events

About the EcoCenter

The Barnegat Bay EcoCenter is more than just the headquarters of Save Barnegat Bay—it’s a hub for inspiration, education, and community connection. Unlike traditional nature centers, we focus on bridging the gap between daily life in urban and suburban areas and the natural spaces surrounding us. Here, visitors can explore how their actions directly impact the health of Barnegat Bay and beyond.

Features of the EcoCenter:

  • Location: Nestled within 40 acres of preserved Green Acres land in Toms River Township, the EcoCenter offers:
    • Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails: Including Happy Tails Trail (Yellow), Long Swamp Trail (White), and the OCUA Access Road (no motorized vehicles).
    • RiverTime Amphitheater Outdoor Classroom: A hands-on learning space by the river.
    • Educational Displays: Interactive exhibits about Barnegat Bay’s ecosystem.
    • Peace Garden: A tranquil spot for reflection.
    • Bay Scouts: Youth programs focused on environmental stewardship.
    • Native Plant Gardens: Explore the local flora that supports Barnegat Bay.
    • White Sandy Beach: Perfect for relaxation by the river.
    • Green Acres Parcel: Protected land ensuring the area remains undeveloped for future generations.
  • Indoor Facilities:
    • Community Science Water Quality Lab: Empowering visitors to become citizen scientists and advocates for clean water in their neighborhoods.
    • Barnegat Bay Library: A comprehensive collection of books, resources, and materials about the bay and its ecosystem.
    • Science Room: Home to an extensive herbarium collection featuring plants from Island Beach State Park.

Our Mission

We aim to educate and empower the community to protect and preserve Barnegat Bay. Through dynamic programs and resources, we help visitors deepen their understanding of the bay and inspire them to take action in their own lives.

EcoCenter Request for Use Form

EcoCenter Programs

Located at 117 Haines Rd. in the heart of Toms River, the EcoCenter offers unique programs for all ages:

  • River Seining: Every Thursday at 11:00 AM (July–August, Weather Permitting) | All Ages
    Explore the hidden world beneath the Bay! Participants pull a seine net in the Toms River to discover marine life and learn how fish species indicate water quality.
  • Nature Walks: Every Wednesday at 10:00 AM (July–August, Weather Permitting) | All Ages
    Guided walks through Browns Woods teach about local plants, animal interactions, and tips for enjoying nature safely.
  • Pollinator Patrol: Every Wednesday at 12:00 PM (July–August, Weather Permitting) | All Ages
    Help raise butterflies and moths, care for caterpillars, and tend native plant gardens to boost pollinator populations.
See Our Ecocenter Programs

Additional Opportunities

EcoCenter Use Requests: Host special group activities or meetings at the EcoCenter. Click Here to request a tailored program.

Calling All Educators: Teachers and homeschool parents can access accredited PD programs and resources to bring Barnegat Bay into the classroom. Click here to learn more.

Explore and Participate

Whether you’re hiking the trails, attending an educational workshop, or diving into our library resources, there’s always something exciting happening at the EcoCenter.

Stay tuned for updates on new offerings.

We look forward to seeing you at the EcoCenter soon!

Alexandra Sellitsch

Alex is 27 years old and is an aspiring marine biologist who is finishing up her junior year at Stockton University. Growing up by the beach has made a significant impact on Alex’s life, which has influenced her passion for the ocean. She is an advocate for elasmobranch conservation, and enjoys getting her hands dirty in research. Alex is currently an intern with Barnegat Bay, researching pathogen influences in the bay’s water. She is also an active intern partnering with one of her professors, who is researching dual seagrass habitats in the Mullica River-Great Bay Estuary. In her spare time, Alex enjoys spending time at the beach and teaching herserself new hobbies. Hobbies that include roller skating, and surfing. Alex is also volunteering with the Berkeley Township Underwater Search and Rescue Team, and is in the process of obtaining her SCUBA certification.