Our History

Save Barnegat Bay was founded in 1971 by Charles Hedlund as the Ocean County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America. The organization was born out of a grassroots response to a proposed development in what are today Traders Cove and F-Cove in Brick Township. This initial campaign demonstrated the power of local communities to protect their natural resources and set the foundation for Save Barnegat Bay’s mission to safeguard the Barnegat Bay watershed.

In 1985, the organization underwent a pivotal transformation. With renewed energy and an expanded vision, it broadened its scope to encompass the entire Barnegat Bay watershed and officially adopted the name Save Barnegat Bay. Over the next several decades, the group focused primarily on resisting unsustainable development and advocating for the conservation of open spaces in their natural state. This period saw Save Barnegat Bay become a formidable advocate for environmental protection, successfully preserving critical lands and habitats.

As development across the watershed increased and the landscape became largely built out, Save Barnegat Bay adapted to confront the complex, interrelated challenges threatening the health of the bay and its ecosystem. Throughout its history, the organization has pioneered innovative approaches to conservation, earning a reputation for forward-thinking environmental leadership. Notable accomplishments include:

• Expanding the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge: Extending the refuge from Long Beach to Brick Township to protect vital wildlife habitats.
• Creating the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust: Establishing a mechanism to preserve open spaces and prevent overdevelopment.
• Establishing New Jersey’s First Marine Conservation Zone: Protecting marine habitats and resources, setting a precedent for conservation statewide.
• Launching the Barnegat Bay Study: This initiative evolved into today’s Barnegat Bay Partnership, a collaborative effort to monitor and protect the bay.
• Championing New Jersey’s Lawn Fertilizer Law: The strongest in the nation, this legislation serves as a model for other states, helping to reduce nutrient pollution and its impact on water quality.

In addition to these milestones, Save Barnegat Bay has played a vital role in fostering community engagement and environmental education. The establishment of the Barnegat Bay EcoCenter and the RiverTime Outdoor Classroom created hubs for public learning, advocacy, and appreciation of the bay. Programs such as the Young Defenders empower youth to take on leadership roles in environmental protection, while regular cleanup initiatives and partnerships with local towns tackle pollution and raise awareness about the importance of stewardship.

Today, Save Barnegat Bay continues to evolve, addressing contemporary issues like climate change, stormwater management, and industrial pollution. The organization remains a leader in blending science, policy advocacy, and grassroots action to restore and protect Barnegat Bay.

With over five decades of dedicated service, Save Barnegat Bay has become a cornerstone of conservation in the region. Its legacy of community-driven action inspires collective efforts to ensure the bay’s health and vitality for generations to come.