Forest Resource Education Center

Forest Resource Education Center At A Glance...

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New Jersey Shore Region Ocean County

About Forest Resource Education Center

The Forest Resource Education Center (FREC) in Jackson provides an opportunity for people of all ages to learn and discover New Jerseys trees and forests. As the only forestry education center in New Jersey, the FREC features unique demonstrations and exhibits such as a sawmill, a maple grove for maple sugaring, bee hives, and a greenhouse growing the trees of tomorrow.

The FREC strives to teach and practice forest stewardship managing New Jersey's forest resources so that we have healthy trees and forests, clean air and water, and places to learn and enjoy the outdoors. FREC has nine miles of trails on 900 acres for recreation such as fishing, horseback riding, and hiking. Some trails feature interpretive signs which identify trees and shrubs or tell the features and local history of the area.

Activities:
- Equestrian / Horseback
- Fishing
- Hiking
  More like walking
- Hunting
- Jogging / Running
- Walking
Amenities:
- Parking Lot(s)
- Nature / Environmental Center
- Picnic / Sitting Area
- Benches
- Picnic tables
Trails:
- Flat / Easy
  Small Hills
- Self Guided / Nature trail
- Walking Paths
Park Type:
- State / National Forest
- State Parks
Rules/Regulations:
- Alcohol *NOT Permitted*

Contact / Location

Primary Address:

Get Directions 495 Don Connor Boulevard,
Jackson, NJ 08527

Contact:

Websiteforestrycenter@gmail.com
(732) 928-0987

Maps & Brochures:

Forest Resource Education Center Map

Related:

Official Forest Resource Education Center site and info

A Brief History

In 1981, the nursery was moved to a property in Jackson. NJ Fish and Game previously used the property as a quail farm where they raised and distributed approximately six million quail. At one time it was the largest quail production farm in the world.

Programs / Education

School groups visit the FREC to experience the forest through fun, hands-on activities and experiential learning. These programs are geared towards PreK to 12th, and include the following topics:

ABC Arboretum
Changing Forest
Fire Ecology
Forest Discovery
Forest Products
Seeds to Trees
Sensory Awareness
Swamp Life
Watershed Investigations
Wildlife Habitats

The FREC also provides programs for college classes, clubs, and adult groups!

Program FAQ:

When does the FREC give scout programs?

Scouts can attend our special events to fulfill badge reqirements.

How far in advance should I book a program?

Spring and fall programs are popular. Programs for these seasons are often booked a year in advance. Contact the FREC for a list of available dates.

Programs must be:

Booked in advance
Scheduled MondayFriday
Between 9:30am - 2pm
For groups of 10 or more

On the day of your program, remember:

Programs are taught outside; dress for the weather.
You may have lunch after the program, but you must take your trash with you.
Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes to protect from poison ivy and ticks.

Trail & Path Info

The Forest Resource Education Center pinelands forest provides many recreational opportunities such as:

Hiking
Fishing
Biking
Hunting
Nature Photography
Horseback Riding
Bike Trails

The FREC maintains eight miles of trails which feature numerous learning stations with informational kiosks on environmental topics. Some kiosks have "talking trees." At these kiosks, the visitor can push a button and hear more about the featured topic. Bikes and horses are only permitted on sand roads and trails. ATVs are prohibited.

Self Guided Trails

Learn about environmental topics on one the FREC's self-guided trails. The visitor, with the trail booklet as a guide, can stop at stations along the trail to look at features and identify plants and trees.

ABC Arboretum, Sensory Awareness and Forest Discovery trail guide booklets are available at the interpretive center. Use the booklet as a guide while exploring the trail.

Things to See & Do

You will find many fun places to visit and explore all around the properrty, including:

Sawmill
Nursery
Sugar Shack (Maple Sugaring)
Firewise
Trail along the Toms River
Nursery fields
Pond
Stocked Trout Fishing in Toms river (spring and fall)

Trip Ideas

By the Jackson municipal building off of West Veterans Hwy there is a large playground. Surf Taco is a good lunch spot less than ten minutes down the road on Hope Chapel Rd.