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BARNEGAT BAY DAY

Barnegat Bay Day is an annual, family-friendly event that promotes environmental discovery and education. Held every July, this free event celebrates Barnegat Bay’s unique ecosystems while fostering community engagement and awareness about local wildlife, conservation, and sustainability.

Thank you to our 2025 Barnegat Bay Day Sponsor Atlantic City Electric

A boy listens attentively as an instructor shows a shell specimen at a marine life education booth during Barnegat Bay Day.

Educational Exhibits

Educational Exhibits at Barnegat Bay Day invite visitors to explore hands-on, interactive displays focused on local wildlife, marine ecosystems, and sustainable practices. Presented by environmental organizations, scientists, and educators, these exhibits offer opportunities to learn about coastal habitats, water quality, conservation efforts, and the everyday actions that help protect Barnegat Bay. Designed for learners of all ages, the exhibits encourage curiosity, discovery, and a deeper understanding of the region’s unique natural environment through engaging, accessible experiences.

Group of adults and children standing on a wooded nature trail at LBIF, listening to a guide speaking among dense coastal vegetation on a sunny day.

Guided Marsh Walks

Guided Marsh Walks offer visitors a closer look at the island’s vital marshlands on LBIF’s campus while learning about their ecological importance. Led by knowledgeable experts, these tours explore coastal plants, wildlife, and wetland systems, highlighting the role marshes play in protecting shorelines, supporting biodiversity, and maintaining the health of Barnegat Bay.

A smiling family poses with an alpaca at Barnegat Bay Day, standing on a grassy field surrounded by lush green trees.

Alpaca Meet-&-Greets

Meet and snap a photo with friendly alpacas from Out of Sight Alpacas—a favorite attraction for visitors of all ages. This fun, interactive experience adds a playful, memorable element to the day while delighting families and animal lovers alike.

Two smiling women pose together at Barnegat Bay Day, one dressed in an outfit made entirely of plastic bags to raise awareness about pollution.

Family Fun

Family Fun at Barnegat Bay Day offers interactive games, hands-on activities, and opportunities to collect goodies throughout the event. Designed for both children and adults, these engaging experiences encourage learning, play, and exploration while celebrating community, creativity, and the natural environment.

A group of children and adults gather around an educational table display, examining marine science tools and turtle shells at Barnegat Bay Day.

Why Barnegat Bay Day Matters

Community Impact: Barnegat Bay Day attracts 300+ attendees each year, offering a hands-on learning experience for children and adults alike. Through interactive exhibits, guided marsh walks, and educational activities, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the bay’s vital role in our ecosystem. 

Fostering Awareness: Partnering with leading organizations like Clean Ocean Action, the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ, and Save Barnegat Bay, the event empowers attendees to take meaningful steps toward environmental conservation. 

Accessible and Inclusive: As a completely free event, Barnegat Bay Day ensures that families and individuals from all backgrounds can participate in learning, discovery, and fun, removing financial barriers to environmental education.

Past Participating Organizations

Alliance for a Living Ocean (ALO): ALO is committed to protecting and improving water quality and marine life on Long Beach Island and beyond through community education and advocacy.

Atlantic City Electric: Atlantic City Electric provides safe, reliable energy to southern New Jersey communities while supporting environmental stewardship and sustainability initiatives across the region.

Barnegat Bay Partnership: Focused on protecting and restoring the Barnegat Bay ecosystem, the Partnership engages in research, monitoring, and public outreach to support sustainable management.

Barnegat Light First Aid Squad: This volunteer organization provides emergency medical services and first aid to the Barnegat Light community, ensuring public safety and health.

Clean Ocean Action: A regional coalition focused on protecting the marine environment, Clean Ocean Action works to reduce pollution and educate communities about ocean conservation.

Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey: This organization works to protect and restore New Jersey’s endangered and at-risk species through conservation projects and educational programs.

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge: Spanning over 47,000 acres, this refuge protects critical habitats for migratory birds, including wetlands, forests, and coastal environments, offering educational and recreational opportunities.

The Garden Club of LBI: A local organization dedicated to promoting horticulture, conservation, and civic beautification, the Garden Club of LBI shares its expertise in gardening and environmental stewardship. 

Gavin Shwahla Visuals: Gavin Shwahla Visuals captures stunning imagery of coastal ecosystems, promoting awareness and appreciation of Barnegat Bay’s natural beauty through visual storytelling.

Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve: This research and educational facility promotes the understanding and stewardship of New Jersey’s estuarine ecosystems through research, monitoring, and community outreach.

Long Beach Township Field Station: The field station conducts research and educational programs focusing on the local marine environment, promoting sustainable practices and community engagement.

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP): The NJDEP works to protect New Jersey’s natural resources and environment through conservation, enforcement, and community education, ensuring a healthy and sustainable future. 

New Jersey Coastal Management Program (NJCMP): The NJCMP works to preserve, protect, and enhance New Jersey’s coastal resources by managing development and promoting sustainable coastal policies.

Oceana | Protecting the World’s Oceans: A global organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the world’s oceans through science-based campaigns and policy advocacy.

ReClam The Bay: A local nonprofit that grows and plants clams and oysters to help improve water quality, while educating the public about the ecological importance of shellfish in Barnegat Bay.

RenewBluSurf: Focused on ocean conservation, RenewBluSurf combines surfing culture with environmental advocacy, inspiring coastal communities to adopt sustainable practices. 

Save Barnegat Bay: This grassroots organization advocates for the protection and restoration of Barnegat Bay’s ecosystem through education, conservation initiatives, and community involvement. 

SciStarter: SciStarter connects people to citizen science projects, enabling individuals to contribute to scientific research and discovery through hands-on participation.

Sea Turtle Recovery Group: This nonprofit rehabilitates injured sea turtles and educates the public about sea turtle conservation, ensuring these endangered species thrive.

Terrapin Nesting Project: This initiative works to protect the diamondback terrapin population in Barnegat Bay by preserving nesting habitats and educating the public about this vital species.

Children and families gather around an outdoor water flow table as a staff member demonstrates with rubber ducks at Barnegat Bay Day.

Sponsor Barnegat Bay Day at LBIF

Support coastal education and environmental stewardship by sponsoring LBIF’s Barnegat Bay Day! Your sponsorship helps us provide free, family-friendly activities, hands-on exhibits, and interactive learning experiences that celebrate and protect our local ecosystem.

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