The Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center is dedicated to providing experiences of learning and discovery related to wetlands ecology and wildlife and habitat protection. Through interactive exhibits, multi-media presentations, educational activities for schools and community groups, and wildlife observation areas, visitors gain an understanding of the importance of water in our world.

Designed to connect visitors with their natural world, the Environmental Center highlights the importance of water. One exhibit features fish found in the Reservoir outside. Another traces the journey of a raindrop as it travels through the watershed to the Manasquan River and, eventually, reaches the ocean. Some exhibits reveal what is not readily visible, such as nocturnal animals that call the Reservoir home. Another exhibit compares the effects of a town with unmanaged growth to one that has chosen to establish practices that protect the environment.

Hours    
The Environmental Center is open daily from 10am-5pm and until 8:30pm on Fridays only from Memorial Day until Labor Day.

 

Free Nature Programs   
Free nature programs are offered on most weekends. Listed below are upcoming programs. Call 732-751-9453 for more information about these free programs.                               

New Jersey Frogs      
Saturday & Sunday, June 22 & 23 at 1pm    
Learn about frogs found in New Jersey and meet a few lives ones.

Smelly Trails      
Saturday & Sunday, June 29 & 30 (self-directed)    
Smell your way along the trail.  Stop in the Environmental Center to pick up a check sheet before starting.  Prize at the end.  

Leaves      
Saturday & Sunday, July 13 & 14 (self-directed)    
Learn about a few trees found in Monmouth County.  

Turtles      
Saturday & Sunday, July 20 & 21 at 1pm    
Learn about these wonderful creatures.

Nature Detectives       
Saturday & Sunday, July 27 & 28 at 11am     
Come for a walk and use nature tools to identify native wildlife and plants.  

Mark Your Calendar

New Jersey Mycological Association Foray, Search for Mushrooms  
Sunday, August 25 from 10am-1pm   
(all ages, under 18 with adult)
Join in the fun of finding various mushrooms. Bring a basket and your curiosity, walk through the park with members of the New Jersey Mycological Association to find many varieties of mushrooms. Following the exploration, discover the mushroom identities during a session with experts and microscopes inside the Environmental Center. For more information, call (732) 751-9453.

Directions   

• Garden State Parkway to Exit 98, Interstate 195 west. Proceed on I-195 west to Exit 28B, Rt. 9 north-Freehold. Stay in right lane when entering Rt. 9 north. At first traffic light, turn right onto Georgia Tavern Road. Follow Georgia Tavern Road for 0.3 mile. Continue straight for Environmental Center on right or turn right onto Windeler Rd. and continue 1.5 miles to the Visitor Center Reservoir Area on left.
• State Hwy. 9 south from Freehold to Georgia Tavern Rd. Use Jughandle to turn left onto Georgia Tavern Rd. Proceed as above.