(25/P42) TRENTON – Building upon the Murphy Administration’s commitment to make the outdoors accessible for all, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Commissioner Kati Angarone, alongside accessibility advocates, today unveiled the revitalized Sensory Awareness Trail at the Forest Resource Education Center in Jackson Township, Ocean County.
The accessible quarter-mile Sensory Awareness Trail encourages visitors of all abilities to use multiple senses to explore the forest and other habitats that the out-and-back trail traverses. The trail was established 20 years ago. Work began in 2020 to improve accessibility for people with visual and mobility impairments. “The Murphy Administration remains steadfast in its commitment to ensure inclusivity for all to explore and enjoy the outdoors,” said Deputy Commissioner Kati Angarone. “The enhanced Sensory Awareness Trail at the Forest Resource Education Center combines state-of-the-art technology with thoughtful upgrades that will enable every visitor to get the best and most comprehensive experience learning about the environment we all share.”Trail upgrades include an improved permeable surface, removal of obstacles such as exposed tree roots, and selective widening to accommodate wheelchairs. A new trailhead kiosk greets visitors with information about the trail’s inclusive features.The kiosk features a slanted interpretive panel for wheelchair-users, a 3D topographical relief map, trail details in both print and Braille, photographs of what to expect, and a hand-crank audio player with commentary from natural resource experts.
Improvements Enhance Visitor ExperienceFor visitors with visual impairments, an upgraded guide rope allows for navigation with wooden markers along the rope indicating interpretive exhibits. Across the trail, a ball on the rope signals an exhibit on the right, while a block signals one on the left. Benches are placed at regular intervals for rest stops, and an improved shortcut back to the beginning of the trail avoids a slope down to the Toms River.Interpretive exhibits have been completely redesigned to include photos, large print and Braille. Six of the 20 exhibits along the trail also feature 3D tactile models, allowing users to feel the shape of plants and animals they depict.“The revitalization of the Sensory Awareness Trail is a prime example of how we can break down barriers and invite people of all abilities to experience the outdoors,” said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. “This is just one of several projects throughout New Jersey’s state parks, forests and historic sites to ensure that all visitors can create lasting connections with nature.”Full funding for the project came from two grants totaling nearly $80,000 through the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program, administered by the DEP’s Green Acres Program.“By enhancing the Sensory Awareness Trail, we are not only opening the outdoors to more people but also creating opportunities for visitors to connect with nature and learn about New Jersey’s unique forest ecosystems,” said Greg McLaughlin, DEP’s Administrator for Forests & Natural Lands.
“The Forest Resource Education Center has something for everyone, from educational programs and interactive workshops to a variety of hiking trails and opportunities to experience the great outdoors on your own.”Other Accessibility Upgrades StatewideThe Murphy Administration has expanded accessibility and inclusivity for the disabled through multiple initiatives, such as the 2024 launch of a Disability Information Hub to connect New Jerseyans with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and advocates with state services and resources. The DEP’s State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites program is working statewide to make the outdoors accessible for visitors of all abilities.Inclusive playgrounds designed for children with developmental, intellectual and physical disabilities are now open at Wawayanda State Park in Sussex County, Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County and Wharton State Forest in Burlington County.Visitors with mobility impairments to Wharton State Forest may explore select trails using a reservable track chair, an all-terrain, electric-powered wheelchair capable of navigating areas inaccessible to standard wheelchairs. Atsion Recreation Area also features an accessible canoe and kayak launch at Atsion Lake. To reserve the track chair, call Wharton State Forest’s Batsto office at (609) 561-0024.In addition, 60 miles of trails underwent accessibility assessments in May 2025 at Allaire State Park in Monmouth County, Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County, the Forest Resource Education Center in Ocean County, and Monmouth Battlefield State Park in Monmouth County.The assessments gathered data such as slope, cross slope, surface type, trail width and length, and available trailhead facilities, which are important details that help visitors determine if a trail meets their needs. These data are used to create new trail maps and informational materials, as well as to identify improvements that would enhance accessibility for all users. Additional trail assessments at other areas across the state are planned for the future.“I am tremendously honored by the opportunity to work with a great team and collaborate with NJDEP. To be able to provide my insight for improvements to the Sensory Awareness Trail at FREC has been a great opportunity to work with the community, accessibility advocates and the state to achieve our ultimate goal in making nature accessible for all,” said Sean Kane-Holland, Nature and Disability Advocate with the Pinelands Preservation Alliance. “Individuals of varying abilities seeking opportunities for outdoor recreation and shared experiences with friends, family and the community at large have the opportunity to do so. Now, a more eclectic community has the chance to get fully immersed in nature to have a truly visceral, educational and positive experience.”About the Forest Resource Education CenterThe 875-acre Forest Resource Education Center is managed by the DEP’s New Jersey Forest Service to educate the public about the state’s forests, the forest products industry, and forest management techniques. The property offers an indoor environmental education center, along with a variety of recreational opportunities, including eight miles of hiking trails, fishing and hunting opportunities, and sand roads for horseback riding and biking. More information is available at forestrycenter.nj.gov.The property is also home to the state nursery, which distributes thousands of seedlings each year to landowners across New Jersey for reforestation and conservation projects. Details about the New Jersey Forest Service Nursery are available at forestnursery.org.NJDEP Photos/Top: Sensory Awareness Trail ribbon-cutting ceremony. Bottom: Karyn Benton uses the guide rope at the upgraded Sensory Awareness Trail### |
