Our EcoCenter features a variety of unique and special programs for folks of all ages.

River Seining

Every Thursday at 11:30 starting July 17th running through August 28th (Weather Permitting) All Ages, Kid Friendly

Have you ever wanted to learn more about the incredible hidden world just beneath the Bay? Are you looking for an activity that the whole family can enjoy this summer? If the answer is yes, then our Seining program has you covered! Come and spend the morning with our team as we pull the net in the River in our backyard and get our hands wet looking for the marine life that calls the Toms River home. Kids and adults will learn about how different species of fish can be used to monitor water quality, ways we can improve the health of our waterways, and the different ways marine life interacts with each other. All that’s missing is YOU!  

Every scientific discovery starts with observation so make sure to log yours! Check out the past journal entries from our seining crew, learn about their discoveries and see what new patterns you may uncover. Whether it’s an eel, flounder, or silverside there is always something new and exciting the watershed has to offer, make sure you don’t miss it!

Barnegat Bay Nature Walks

Every Wednesday from 10:00 to 11:00 April through May in the spring, and every Wednesday from 4:00 to 5:00 September through October in the fall (Weather Permitting) All Ages

There is so much to see, do, and experience in the watershed we call home that it can be hard to know where to start, so let us be your guide and adventure buddies! Join our team as we lead you on adventure through the trails of Browns Woods where you’ll learn all about the natural world in our backyard! You’ll get to learn about how plants were used historically for food, medicine, and industry, how the different animals of our watershed interact with each other, and will receive practical and fun tips and tricks for making your time in the woods safer and more interesting! Adventure is waiting just outside the door!

Pollinator Patrol

Every Wednesday at 12:00 from July through August (Weather Permitting), All Ages, Kid Friendly

Butterflies and moths aren’t just beautiful, they are often the unsung pollinating heroes who help make our natural world turn! Save Barnegat Bay will be raising butterflies and moths and tending to their favorite native plants this summer to help increase their populations around Barnegat Bay and we want your help! Join us for an opportunity to take care of these caterpillars, weigh their cocoons, tend to our native plant gardens, and learn about the ways you can help ensure the health and biodiversity of Browns Woods!

Seasonal Programs

Each season there is always something fun and exciting being planned here at our EcoCenter and we don’t want you to miss a moment of it! 

As the weather begins to cool, come pay us a visit in the Fall for our Naturally Spooky Trunk or Treat nature festival and learn all about the interconnected nighttime world of our watershed with, animal ambassadors, games, spooky nature walks, bonfires w/smores and of course candy! 

Then as the frost sets in and Winter is in full swing come and celebrate the end of the season with us as we share a night of good food and good company as a way to give back to our amazing community with our Winter Solstice party!  

Once spring has sprung you are invited once again to join in on the fun with us at our spring nature festival and native plant sales and of course don’t forget to come to our end of Summer volunteer BBQ too! 

These are just some highlights, there’s so much more fun than what’s listed here being added every month so make sure you watch the calendar to stay up to date!

EcoCenter Use Request

The EcoCenter is an amazing place, and we want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to enjoy and experience all it has to offer. That is why in addition to our offices being open 9-5 and our free public programs, we have a special way that you and your group can enjoy it after hours and on weekends too! We’re committed to making our center accessible to all!

If you’re seeking a beautiful indoor or outdoor space for your meeting or program, where your group can have fun and connect with the natural world click below to find out how our space can support you!

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.