Cattus Island County Park | Toms River

Cattus Island County Park is a 530-acre coastal nature preserve located in Toms River, New Jersey. Overlooking the northern shores of Barnegat Bay, it serves as one of Ocean County’s largest and most ecologically rich parks. The park is managed by the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation and is open to the public year-round, offering a blend of recreational opportunities, educational programs, and protected natural habitats.

🏞️ Park Setting and Environment

Cattus Island is a barrier island ecosystem that reflects the natural diversity of New Jersey’s coastal zone. The terrain includes maritime forests, salt marshes, freshwater wetlands, sandy beaches, and tidal creeks. The park’s namesake island is connected to the mainland by a causeway road and surrounded by lagoons and estuarine waters, making it ideal for wildlife viewing and nature immersion.

The park is home to a wide variety of native flora and fauna. You’ll find pine and oak woodlands interspersed with pitch pines, red maples, American holly, and coastal grasses. These diverse habitats support species such as ospreys, herons, egrets, crabs, foxes, turtles, and numerous songbirds and butterflies.

🚶‍♂️ Trail System

Cattus Island features a network of over seven miles of nature trails. These trails are mostly flat, well-marked, and suitable for walking, jogging, biking, and strollers. They vary in length and traverse several ecosystems, each offering its own sensory and scenic experiences.

Notable Trails Include:

Island Loop Trail (2.2 miles): A wide, circular path that showcases views of the bay and provides access to most of the park’s key features.

Maritime Forest Trail (1.7 miles): A winding trail through shaded forest, excellent for wildlife viewing.

Hidden Beach Loop (0.7 miles): Leads to a secluded sandy beach with panoramic views of the water and marshlands.

Swamp Crossing Trail: Passes through low-lying marsh areas via boardwalks, offering close-up views of salt marsh ecology.

Cedar Line Shortcut: A quick cut-through between trails, named after the cedar trees that dot the route.

Several benches and scenic overlooks are located along the trails, encouraging visitors to stop, observe wildlife, or enjoy a quiet moment amid nature.

🏛️ Cooper Environmental Center

The A. Morton and Elizabeth Cooper Environmental Center is the educational heart of the park. This indoor facility is designed to educate visitors of all ages about the ecology of the Jersey Shore and the importance of environmental conservation.

Key Features of the Center:

Interactive Exhibits: Hands-on displays explain local ecosystems, marine life, bird species, and seasonal changes.

Live Animal Habitats: Small aquariums and terrariums house turtles, snakes, and fish native to the region.

Microscope Station: Visitors can examine shells, soil, and aquatic life up close.

Touch Tank: Occasionally featured for educational programs, allowing children to safely interact with marine creatures.

Nature Library and Reading Corner: Stocked with field guides, children’s books, and natural science resources.

Classroom Space: Used for school groups, scouting organizations, and public workshops.

The building itself is ADA-accessible and includes restrooms, a reception desk, and shaded picnic tables nearby.

🌿 Butterfly Garden and Pollinator Habitat

Just outside the Cooper Environmental Center, the park features a cultivated Butterfly Garden filled with native plants chosen to attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. Species such as milkweed, black-eyed Susan, and coneflowers bloom throughout the spring and summer months. It’s not only a colorful photo spot but also a living example of how small-scale conservation can support biodiversity.

🐦 Birdwatching and Wildlife Observation

Cattus Island is a birding hotspot, especially during spring and fall migrations. Birders often observe:

Ospreys nesting on raised platforms

Great blue herons and snowy egrets hunting in the marshes

Warblers, orioles, and other songbirds in forested areas

Gulls, terns, and cormorants along the shoreline

Binoculars are recommended, and the park’s quiet trails and varied ecosystems make it easy to observe wildlife undisturbed.

🚣‍♀️ Waterfront and Canoe Access

While swimming is not allowed, the park’s estuarine setting is ideal for passive water recreation. Though there’s no official boat launch, paddlers with canoes or kayaks can access nearby lagoons and shallow bay waters just outside park boundaries. Along the Island Loop Trail, you’ll find open waterfront areas that offer beautiful views of the bay and salt marshes.

📸 Scenic Areas and Photography

The natural light, expansive skies, and diverse habitats make Cattus Island an excellent destination for nature photography. Popular spots include:

The observation deck at the edge of the marsh

Sunrise views over Barnegat Bay

The forest canopy walk along the Maritime Forest Trail

Wildlife sightings, especially ospreys, deer, and foxes

♿ Accessibility and Visitor Amenities

Hours: Open from dawn to dusk year-round

Admission: Free

Parking: Large lot near the entrance and Cooper Center

Restrooms: Available inside the Cooper Center and at trailheads

Pets: Allowed on leash; owners must clean up after pets

Accessibility: Trails are mostly flat and wide; the main loop is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers

🛶 Events and Programming

The park frequently hosts seasonal programs such as:

Nature walks led by naturalists

“Touch a Truck” and youth ecology events

Earth Day and coastal cleanup celebrations

Photography and painting classes inspired by the landscape

These events are usually free or low-cost and emphasize environmental education, family engagement, and outdoor exploration.

🧭 Final Impressions

Cattus Island County Park is not just a nature reserve-it is a dynamic, immersive space where visitors of all ages can experience the rich coastal ecology of New Jersey. Whether you come for a peaceful walk, to birdwatch, participate in a workshop, or simply sit by the bay, the park offers both tranquility and discovery. Its balance of environmental preservation and community access makes it one of Ocean County’s most beloved outdoor destinations.