Department of Environmental Protection

New Jersey Forest Service

NJDEP LogoNJ Forest Service Logo

Forest Resource Education Center

The Forest Resource Education Center pine barrens forest provides many recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, biking, hunting, nature photography, horseback riding and bike trails.

The FREC maintains eight miles of trails which feature numerous learning stations with informational kiosks on environmental topics. Bikes and horses are only permitted on sand roads and trails. ATVs are prohibited.

Hunters must obey NJ Fish and Wildlife Regulations which cover the safety zone info. The posted firearm safety zone is the area within 450 feet of a building or school playground, even if not occupied. As a reminder, there is no hunting permitted on Sundays. Visitors should wear fluorescent orange during hunting season.

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, Swamp Life and Forest Discovery trail guide booklets are available at the interpretive center. Use the booklet as a guide while exploring the trail.

In 1982, the Jackson property first opened as the NJ Tree Nursery which grows seedlings for reforestation across New Jersey.

In 1995, the NJ Forest Service offered their first on-site interpretive program, "Seeds to Trees", that engages students in the work and care it takes to grow a seed into a tree. “Seeds to Trees” is still offered today along with a number of other interpretive programs.

In 2003, an interpretive center was completed and the Forest Resource Education Center was named. The exhibit area of the interpretive center features sections on forest succession, wildlife, tree seeds, forestry tools, forest fire, and pruning.

Mary Evangelista, Resource Interpretive Specialist
732-928-0987, Mary.Evangelista@dep.nj.gov”

Lynn Zapata, Administrative Assistant
732-928-2360, lynn.zapata@dep.nj.gov

Christina Yuncza, Communications
732-928-2360, christina.yuncza@dep.nj.gov

McDuffy Barrow, Naturalist
732-928-2360, mcduffy.barrow@dep.nj.gov

Roger Smith, Naturalist
732-928-2360, roger.smith@dep.nj.gov

Candace Lillie, Naturalist
732-928-2360, candace.lillie@dep.nj.gov

Jane Mattson, Volunteer Coordinator
732-928-2360, jane.mattson@dep.nj.gov

Facilities for People with Disabilities
We encourage people with disabilities who require special considerations to contact the park at the phone number listed in the general information on the home page of the park. The staff will assist with arrangements. Text telephone (TT) users, please call the NJ Relay Services at (800) 852-7899.

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
Recreational use of ATVs is not permitted on NJ Forest Service property. This includes state parks, forests, recreation areas, golf courses, marinas, natural areas, historic sites, and preserves. Thank you for your help in protecting New Jersey’s natural and historic resources. [N.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d)]

Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in state parks, forests, recreation areas, golf courses, marinas, natural areas, historic sites, and preserves. [ N.J.A.C. 7:2-2.6 ]

Keep FREC Clean and Green
Protect plants and animals and care for your parks by taking your trash with you. Whatever you carry into the park, plan on carrying it out too. It’s like crowdsourcing trash management! Bring a bag or two for trash, recycling and cleaning up after your pet. There are no trash receptacles in this park. Thank you!

Pets
Where pets are permitted, they must always be on a leash no longer than six feet in length and under the control of the owner. Check ahead for specific restrictions. Please clean up after your pets.

Tick Protection
Use insect repellent, wear light-colored clothing, tuck pants into socks, stay on trails, check yourself when you get home, shower and wash clothes immediately.

Be Bear Aware
Black bears are found throughout New Jersey. Do not approach or attract bears by making food available. Feeding bears is dangerous and illegal. Never run from a bear! To report an aggressive bear, call 1-877-WARN-DEP (1-877-927-6337) immediately. Please report any damage or nuisance behavior to the park office. Visit the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife at www.njfishandwildlife.com for additional information on bear safety.

No Grilling / Fires
Grills and ground fires are not permitted at the Forest Resource Education Center.

Photo Gallery

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Related Links

Group Programs
Special Events
Tree Books
Volunteer

Map

Area Map
General

Phone Number
732-928-2360

Address
495 Don Conner Blvd.
Jackson, New Jersey 08527

Email
FREC@dep.nj.gov

Hours

Grounds Dawn - Dusk
Interpretive Center 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Map / Directions

GPS Coordinates
40.093047, -74.323132