JC NERR Coastal Education Center
The Coastal Education Center, located in Tuckerton, NJ, features offices, conference rooms, a classroom, and a dormitory room. The classroom is outfitted with A/V equipment for both in person and hybrid meetings/events. Adjacent to the classroom is a breakout space which can either be used as an extension of the classroom space, or its own conference room. The building also features two smaller conference rooms. The dorm room features two twin-sized beds and a private bathroom (including a shower). All spaces are ADA accessible.
*If you would like to inquire about this space, please email plantarich@marine.rutgers.edu*
Grassle Marsh
The Grassle Marsh is an extension of the Sheepshead Meadows wetlands in Tuckerton, New Jersey, and is a tidal salt marsh historically dominated by smooth cordgrass Spartina alterniflora. The western side of the Grassle Marsh is the property of Rutgers University, while the eastern side of the marsh is co-owned by Rutgers University and the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust. It was acquired as open space in 2012 in partnership with Ocean County Natural Lands Trust, with additional contributions from Little Egg Harbor Township, and funding from NOAA via the NERRS Land Acquisition and Construction awards. The Grassle Marsh name was chosen in honor of Fred and Judy Grassle, two distinguished national and internationally renowned marine scientists with close ties to Rutgers University and members of the JC NERR staff.
Grassle Marsh Restoration Planning: The JC NERR proposes replacing two culverts that are ~42-inches in diameter, that cross under the Great Bay Blvd roadbed, but which do not function well thus limiting necessary tidal flow to support a healthy marsh ecosystem. Restoration of the tidal flow by replacing the culvert to the Grassle Marsh will enhance passage of marine animals (fish, crabs, turtles, and mustelids), support regrowth of native marsh flora, and suppression of the invasive Phragmites australis.
Grassle Marsh Trail
In 2016, the Grassle Marsh Trail was opened to the public. It is located within the upland forest and Grassle Marsh behind and adjacent to the JC NERR Coastal Education Center. The trail passes through upland, creek and tidal wetland habitats and loops back to the JC NERR Coastal Education Center. The ½ mile trail is open and free to the public every day from dawn until dusk, and features interpretive signage, benches, and an observation deck overlooking the Grassle Pocket Marsh. In addition, the trail is handicap accessible, consisting of a natural earth path walkway with trail at–grade and minimum trimming of vegetation.
Life on the Edge Exhibit
*At this time, the Life on the Edge Exhibit is closed to the public due to construction. Please visit our website for updates.*
In 2002, the “Life on the Edge” interpretive exhibit was opened to the public as an extension of the Grassle Marsh Trail. It is hosted on the third floor of the yacht club building at the Tuckerton Seaport. Through hands-on activities and multimedia components, visitors are able to explore the roles estuaries play in our daily life, a variety of aquatic life that call these places home, and what individuals can do to become stewards of this unique and important ecosystem. Some of the most popular features of the exhibit include a photo booth pledge station, a theater and multipurpose room, a giant view master, an interactive table map of creatures found within the reserve, and a chance to look into the depths of a water droplet. The Life on the Edge exhibit is for everyone and all ages!
*Open hours vary per season. Please visit the JC NERR website or email plantarich@marine.rutgers.edu for current hours and planning group tours.*