The Warren E. Fox Nature Center is the headquarters for environmental education in Atlantic County. Located in Atlantic County Park in Estell Manor on Route 50, the Nature Center was named in honor of Warren E. Fox, an active environmentalist who contributed thousands of hours to a better understanding of the New Jersey Pinelands. The Nature Center was built in 1984 using an architectural design that incorporates passive solar heating. There are offices, an auditorium for class and public lectures, an employee kitchen, public bathroom facilities and a live animal display area. Many environmental programs are held here and out on the trails. Also held in the Nature Center are craft classes and various group meetings. If you've got a question, get in touch with us. We'll be happy to help you out. Also, let us know if you have any unusual sightings.

Stop into the Nature Center - it is full of information in the form of displays, brochures, and our dedicated staff. We have a display of trees and their leaves, for those of you that are stuck on that school project. There are stuffed animals, so you can see what a certain animal really looks like. We have artifacts from Native Americans, the Glassworks and the Bethlehem Loading Company (CLICK HERE to see our History Page). Our biggest attraction is our live animals. We keep animals that are indigenous to this area; animals that you just might see on a walk through the woods. We have frogs, turtles, snakes, and lizards. We also keep carnivorous plants- "meat eaters"! If you don't see it in our Nature Center, just ask. Our Naturalists have an extensive knowledge of the natural world. Besides, if they don't know, they have a large library in which to search.

To find out what kind of environmental programs we offer, go to the Calendar of Events section of this Website. It is updated monthly, so keep an eye out. Our programs change with the seasons. Some examples: Tree Frog Tromp, Nature Hikes, Friends of the Forest Nature Club, Nature Discovery Class (a week-long, summer learning experience), Owl Prowl, and environmental education workshops.

The Atlantic County Park Naturalists accept student interns who wish to learn about environmental education and are looking for experience to complement their degree program. We are looking for reliable, enthusiastic people who are not afraid of doing physical work, and who can work independently after instruction.

Interns will learn about the many "ins and outs" of running environmental education programs and the background work necessary to make one successful. Duties will include: learning the many aspects of small animal care (feeding, cleaning, etc. of reptiles and amphibians); outdoor display area maintenance; prep work for programs; working with the public (children and adults) under direction;and working on other projects as needed. Please visit our volunteer page for more information.

Students interested should contact the Senior Park Naturalist or the Parks Superintendent. It is up to the student to make the arrangements to receive credit.

Questions regarding nature and environmental education in Atlantic County contact Margaret Atack, Senior Naturalist or John Hansen, Senior Naturalist.