Cooper Environmental Center At A Glance...
- Home to a live Osprey Cam and nesting platforms visible from the trails.
- Features a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk that extends deep into the salt marsh.
- Contains a 'Butterfly Garden' filled with native plants to attract pollinators.
- Todays Sunrise: 7:14 am, Sunset: 4:37 pm
- New Jersey Shore Region Ocean County
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Cooper Environmental Center is part of Cattus Island County Park
About Cooper Environmental Center
The Cooper Environmental Center is the crown jewel of Cattus Island County Park, one of Ocean County's most popular outdoor destinations. The 5,000-square-foot facility is designed to educate visitors about the unique maritime upland and salt marsh ecosystems found along the Barnegat Bay. Inside, visitors can find a children's activity corner, live displays of local reptiles and fish (including pine snakes and diamondback terrapins), and a bird viewing area. Just outside the doors lies a stunning Butterfly Garden and the start of the park's main accessible boardwalk system, making it a fantastic destination for families and nature photographers alike.
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Activities:
- Fishing
Amenities:- Restrooms/Bathrooms
- Parking Lot(s)
- Picnic / Sitting Area
- Benches
- Picnic tables
Trails:- Boardwalks
- Flat / Easy
- Natural Surface (Dirt/Roots/Rocks)
- Paved
- Walking Paths
Park Type:- County Parks
- Scenic Areas (overlooks/waterfalls)
Attractions:- Animals
- Animal Enclosure
Rules/Regulations:- Alcohol Not Permitted
- Must be Leashed
Contact / Location
A Brief History
The land surrounding the center has a rich history dating back to 1690. It was once owned by the Cattus family (1895-1964), who used it as a hunting and fishing retreat, building a lodge and farm on the property. During the Revolutionary War, the area was used by privateers to offload captured British cargo. Ocean County acquired the land in 1973 to save it from development, and the Cooper Environmental Center opened in 1980 as the county's first nature center.
Programs / Education
The center is a hub for environmental education in the region.
- Guided Nature Walks: Regular weekend walks led by park naturalists focusing on local flora and fauna.
- Lectures & Workshops: Topics often include Osprey conservation, horseshoe crab monitoring, and local history.
- Junior Naturalist Programs: Hands-on activities designed to get kids interested in biology and ecology.
Tips and Tricks
Local advice for a better visit.
- Bug Spray is Mandatory: In summer, the greenhead flies and mosquitoes in the marsh can be intense. Dress appropriately and bring repellent.
- Check the Tides: High tides can sometimes flood the lower marsh trails, though the main boardwalks usually remain dry.
- Free Admission: Like all Ocean County parks, entry and parking are free.
Facilities
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Restrooms: Located inside the Environmental Center and portable options often available in the parking lot.
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Playground: A pirate-ship themed playground is located near the main parking area.
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Trash/Recycling: Available in the picnic areas.
Parking
A large, paved parking lot is available for free. It can fill up on beautiful summer weekends, but there is usually ample space.
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Nearby Places
- Cooper Environmental Center (~0 miles)
- Cattus Island County Park (~0 miles)
- Skyview Park (~1 miles)
- Pilates By The Bay (~3 miles)
- Robert J. Novins Planetarium (~3 miles)
- Brown's Woods Preserve (~3 miles)
- Playdrome Lanes (~3 miles)
- Bayside Park (~4 miles)
- Breakwater Beach Waterpark (~4 miles)
- Beachwood Beach (~4 miles)
- Casino Pier in Seaside Heights (~4 miles)
- Downtown Toms River Farmers Market (~4 miles)
Toms River, New Jersey 08753