Long Branch Nature Center & Park

Glorious day walking, talking and birding today for 2 ½ hrs. We saw/​heard 26 birds, a red fox, a doe and buckeye butterfly. The highlight was the Cooper’s Hawk chasing a squirrel in spirals around the tree.

Free nature center hidden in the woods away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It isn’t huge or modern and the staff is usually nowhere to be seen, but kids can see turtles, snakes, lizards, fish, etc. There is also an indoor play room with a drum, toy dinosaurs, books, a playhouse, easel, nature-​themed activities, etc. There is a bird feeding station which you can watch through a window from the comfort of rocking chairs inside the center. The center offers various programs/​special events throughout the year, including summer camps.
Outside there are paved trails to walk or bike on along the stream. There is also a pond with easy wildlife viewing – birds, frogs, turtles, dragonflies, etc. A little walk down the trail takes you to a large picnic area with a pavilion, outdoor grilling area, picnic tables, trash cans, restrooms, etc as well as an area where dogs can run off of their leashes.

Turtles, frogs, snakes, and a secret bunny. Go when the center is open. Nice walk to the stream and a playground with a giant mock tree and tube slide. You can also see a memorial to a George Washington survey marker. Lots of places for picnics.