Skip Navigation
The Environmental Center Lobby
  Print-Friendly Version Print Friendly Version
Pavilion One | Hallway | Pavilion Two | Pavilion Three | Group Activities 

The globe at Manasquan Reservoir Environmental CenterWhere in the world are you?

The globe and maps at the orientation podium help visitors determine where the Manasquan Reservoir is. The information leads the visitor from Planet Earth right to the Reservoir’s location in Monmouth County.

Fish Exhibit

This exhibit illustrates why the Reservoir is a popular fishing area. Included in this display are replicas of some of the fish species that are stocked in the Reservoir by the NJ Bureau of Fisheries. They are: 

  • Bluegill Sunfish
  • Black Crappie   
  • Rainbow Trout
  • Smallmouth Bass    
  • Largemouth Bass    
  • Striped Bass Hybrid
  • Channel Catfish    
  • Tiger Muskie

Other species of fish are found in the Reservoir as well. These were either introduced or were present in the many small streams in the area before the Reservoir was filled. They include:

  • Pumpkinseed Sunfish    
  • White Crappie    
  • Brook Trout
  • Brown-Bullhead Catfish    
  • Yellow Perch    
  • White Perch
  • Suckers    
  • Pickerel    
  • Shiners   
  • Minnows 
     

Fisherman of the Skies

With the introduction of fish to the Reservoir, fish-eating animals followed. An osprey, a large fish-eating bird of prey, keeps watch over the entrance lobby. This preserved specimen is perched on the edge of a life-size nest atop a manmade platform. Several nesting pairs of osprey have made the Reservoir their home since 1991. 

Who lives here? (Aquarium)

Upon entering the Center, many visitors are drawn to the living aquarium and diorama depicting the rich fauna that can be found at the Manasquan Reservoir. Insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals are all plentiful in this 1,200-acre park.  

GALLERY

Piebald deer at the Environmental CenterPiebald Deer

This preserved whitetail deer in the main lobby does not look like its parents or the rest of the herd. Its unusual color combination is called “piebald,” meaning it lacks color or pigmentation on parts of its body. A true albino would be completely white with pink eyes because albinos contain no color or pigmentation at all. Albino animals usually don’t survive long in the wild. Their lack of natural camouflage means they cannot hide well from their predators. As a result, they are often killed early in life.  


Bird Migration

Migration is the amazing annual movement of animals between breeding and non-breeding habitats. Several kinds of animals migrate, including certain fish, mammals and insects. However, it is most apparent with birds. Among the more than 200 bird species that have been found at the Manasquan Reservoir, more than 75% are migrants. Seasonal changes in food and weather force some species out of environments that become unsuitable for feeding or raising young. Instinct leads birds on this round-trip journey. Visitors enjoy learning about bird migration as they scan for avian life at the bird observation area.