Featuring...Friends of Island Beach State Park

     Island Beach State Park (IBSP) in Seaside Park, NJ, is a beautiful location for nature hikes, bird-watching, fishing, and beach-going.  The Friends of Island Beach State Park is a non-profit volunteer organization that works to further public appreciation and stewardship of the park.  Friends of IBSP encourages protection of the barrier island ecosystem, while discovering the natural wonders of the park. 

     Friends of IBSP network with other organizations to protect marine resources and foster a stewardship of the marine environment.  The Friends have participated in campaigns led by Clean Ocean Action (COA), including “Dump No More, March for the Shore” in 2000.  Friends of IBSP also assist with COA’s Fall Student Summit and Spring and Fall Beach Sweeps at the park.

     “Friends of IBSP and COA work toward similar goals,” said Rita Carey, the organization’s president.  “We preserve resources, educate the public, and help people enjoy the wonderful natural resources.”

     The main event that Friends of IBSP organizes each year to teach people of all ages about the park’s beauty and resources is the Beach Plum Festival.  The 8th annual Festival will be held on September 11 from 9am-4pm at the North Pavilion in the park.  The Festival includes craft vendors, non-profit organization displays (including COA), nature hikes, beach-plum picking and jam-making, and other fun activities and demonstrations.  Park entrance fee is waived for the day, but donations to Friends of IBSP are welcomed.

     For more information about Friends of IBSP, call (732) 793-5525, check out www.friendsofislandbeach.com, or stop by their office, which is located across from IBSP’s Visitor’s Center.

Adapted from Friends of IBSP website