Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, National wildlife refuge and Ramsar site in Cape May County, New Jersey.
Cape May National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area on New Jersey's southern peninsula containing forests, salt marshes, beaches, and freshwater wetlands. The three separate units span approximately 11,000 acres and provide diverse habitats supporting hundreds of animal species.
The refuge was established in 1989 to protect critical habitats along the Atlantic Flyway migration route. This action was crucial for conserving birds that travel between North and South America on one of the world's major migration paths.
The refuge provides essential habitat where visitors can observe how birds, mammals, and reptiles coexist across different environments. Four marked walking trails allow people to experience these ecosystems firsthand and understand the natural relationships between species living here.
The Two Mile Beach Unit closes from April through September to protect nesting shorebirds, so plan visits to other areas during these months. Hiking and wildlife observation are available year-round at the remaining open sections.
The refuge serves as a vital resting point where red knots and ruddy turnstones refuel during their 10,000-kilometer spring migration. These tiny birds undertake one of the longest journeys in the animal kingdom, making this location essential for their survival.
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