The Natural Resource Education Foundation of New Jersey (NREF)

The Natural Resource Education Foundation of New Jersey (NREFNJ) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to environmental leadership through education, research and interpretation. A volunteer Board of Directors works towards building programs and partnerships focused on environmental education and community stewardship. NREF is responsible for the oversight and management of the Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education in Waretown, NJ, owned by the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife. The Lighthouse Center (LHC) is situated on 194- acre property adjacent to Barnegat Bay in Waretown, NJ. LHC is home to a wide variety of coastal habitats including wetlands, maritime forests, a brackish impoundment, freshwater pond and miles of hiking trails to explore the outdoors. We have a vast array of wildlife species that inhabit the property such as reptiles, amphibians, fresh and brackish fish and crustaceans, migratory and resident birds, foxes, deer, and much more.

We steward a New Jersey Wildlife Management Area that offers environmental educational programming. World renowned scientists perform scientific studies that include marsh erosion, climate change, sea level rise and coastal forest dynamics. We are located on Barnegat Bay and offer overnight rentals up to 50 people.