Island Beach State Park is a great summertime destination in N.J.

Summer at the Jersey Shore needs no explaining. And one of the best beach destinations is Island Beach State Park in Seaside Park. But it's more than just sun, sand and surf that make this one of New Jersey's 'Great Summer Destinations' - it's a conservation jewel as well.

Since colonial times, the narrow, 10-mile long barrier island that makes up today's 3,000-acre park has been a pirate base, playground of the ultra-wealthy, missile proving ground and a great crabbing and fishing spot. And since its preservation in 1953, Island Beach State Park has become one of New Jersey's most visited recreation areas.

Most of us are familiar with its beaches and related facilities. But its 659-acre northern and 1,237-acre southern natural areas offer much more than sandy grit in your bathing suit. These natural areas are the last remnants of the wild barrier island ecosystem that once existed along much of the New Jersey coast. Plus they're one of the only remaining undeveloped barrier beaches on the entire north Atlantic coast.

Miles of protected sand dunes, salt marsh and maritime forest support unique plant and animal communities - existing as they did millennia ago. The side of the island on Barnegat Bay is an outstanding feeding ground for birds, fish and more.

Explore the Discovery Trails System. These eight distinct trails, each less than a mile, provide self-guided tours of the nine different plant communities of a barrier island.

Join the park's daily tours and activities at the Nature Center, the Forked River Coast Guard Station Interpretive Center and the visitor's station at the bathing beach.

The Emily DeCamp Herbar-ium at the Forked River Interpre-tive Center is a newer addition to the park's facilities. There is a hands-on opportunity to learn about the barrier island plants, like colorful wildflowers and beach heather.

During the summer, guided canoe and kayak tours of the Sedge Island Marine Conser-vation Zone are one of the best ways to see ospreys and falcons and other marine wildlife.

And of course, there's the mile-long swimming beach. Parking, restrooms, changing areas, first aid stations and concessions are all convenient to the beach, and trained lifeguards are on duty from mid-June through Labor Day.

If you have not been to Island Beach State Park now is the time. Take a break from the sun and sand and check out the park's exceptional environmental education resources. Find out more at www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/island.html, or by calling (732) 793-0506. I hope you'll contact me at info@njconservation.org or visit NJCF's Web site at www.njconservation.org for more information about conserving New Jersey's precious land and natural resources.

Michele S. Byers

executive director

New Jersey

Conservation Foundation

Far Hills