It’s rare to find a place in New Jersey that has unspoiled beauty with 530 acres, 7 trails, beach views, and an environmental center with hands-on educational displays. When you enter Cattus Island you see animals, trails, and the beach, and bonus the newly renovated Cooper Environmental Center is open to visitors of all ages with hands-on educational displays that include a live view osprey cam, habitat tree and tunnel, bird viewing area, and a children’s activity corner. Plus, there is a collection of live reptiles and fish and a Butterfly Garden where you can view native plants and pollinators. While Cattus Island County Park is on the western shore of Barnegat Bay in Toms River, you can visit Island Beach State Park to the south, an over 3,000 acre barrier island located on the Atlantic coast and it’s right down the road. (featured photo credit: istock/Lisa McCabe)

Cattus Island County Park And The Cooper Environmental Center

Cattus Island Wetlands, Jersey Shore nj mom — *Cattus Island County Park is full of wetlands. Photo Credit: istock/Lisa McCabe*

Cattus Island County Park

With a salt marsh, forest, and the Barnegat Bay Cattus Island County Park has several ecosystems in one. Operated by the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation. It encompasses 530 acres and features the Cooper Environmental Center, hiking trails, and other recreational amenities. Spring is the perfect time to borrow one of their loaner bikes to ride the mail trail or see songbirds, ospreys, and butterflies (butterflies and hummingbirds can be seen in garden from mid-May-mid-October). The Butterfly Garden also hosts a variety of native plants like the Blazing Star, Butterfly Weed, and Sweet Pepperbush to allow you to see butterflies like the Spring Azure, Red Banded Hairstreak, and Eastern Black Swallowtail Butterfy. In the summer, borrow one of their discovery backpacks with activities and tools to explore the island. Hike the trails to see the foliage in the fall or snowshoe or crosscountry ski in the winter while visiting the winter birds. You also won’t want to miss the free nature walks at 2 PM.

Cooper Environmental Center

There is even more to explore at the 5,000 square foot newly renovated nature center with new exhibits showcasing the beauty of the park and the Barnegat Bay. The center features a Wheel Chair accessible 1000 foot ADA Boardwalk. Inside there is a live view osprey cam, habitat tree and tunnel, and an area to view birds. Your kids will be thrilled to test out the children’s activity corner and there is also a large collection of live reptiles and fish. They also host free and fee-based educational program options for your little explorer.

FAQs

How much is it to enter the park and environmental center?

It is free to enter both Cattus Island County Park and the Cooper Environmental Center.

When can I visit?

Cattus Island County Park opens at 7 AM and the closing time varies depending on when the sun sets. The Cooper Environmental Center is open from 8:30 AM-4PM Monday through Friday and 10 AM-4 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, excluding major holidays. The first hour at the center is reserved for Seniors and vulnerable populations.

Are there restrooms?

The Cooper Environmental Center has restrooms.

NJ MOM Insider Tip:

Ocean County Parks’ online maps are updated often. If you using your phone to follow a trail map, be sure to clear your cookies and refresh your browser, as older maps may appear on your screen due to your background storage. The best option is to pick up a printed map at the park kiosk.

Are there upcoming events?

For more information on upcoming events and activities call 732-270-6960.

To learn more about Cattus Island and the Cooper Environmental Center visit their website, Instagram, and Facebook

Cattus Island
1170 Cattus Island Boulevard
Toms River, NJ 08753

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