Rich and Varied Ecosystems Despite New Jersey’s High Density Status

TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey State Museum is pleased to present a new exhibition, “Ecosystems at Risk: Threatened and Endangered in New Jersey,” from April 19, 2025 – March 15, 2026. The exhibition walks visitors through the major ecosystems in New Jersey --the Skylands, Piedmont, Pinelands, Delaware River, Delaware Bay, and the Atlantic Coast, and highlights the threatened and endangered species in each. New Jersey has approximately 3,700 native animals and 2,000 native plants. Across our state, there are beautiful and varied habitats that host a tremendous amount of biodiversity. From bobcats in the Skylands to Piping Plovers along the Atlantic Coast, “Ecosystems at Risk” looks at species across the state and discusses the threats they face and what the public can do to help protect them. Working closely with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the exhibit also showcases the research being done on these at risk species and offers hope for the long-term survival of biodiversity in New Jersey.

The New Jersey State Museum’s Curator of Natural History, Dr. Dana Ehret, notes that his inspiration for the exhibition came from growing up in New Jersey. He cited the regular beach visits, hikes with family in state and local parks, studying marine biology at Stockton University and working at the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor, NJ, during college as experiences that have given him a deep appreciation for the diversity of New Jersey's ecosystems and the plants and animals that live within them. Dr. Ehret says, “I hope visitors to the 'Ecosystems at Risk' exhibition take away a greater appreciation for New Jersey’s natural areas and the rich diversity of wildlife that shares our great state. I also hope our visitors learn about some of the wonderful work the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife staff do to protect our environment.”

The Museum will host a combined Earth Day and “Ecosystems at Risk” family event on April 26. Participating partners include NJ Audubon, Master Gardeners of Mercer County, the NJ DEP Watershed Ambassador program, and the Tulpehaking Nature Center. The day will include hands-on activities, short talks, and a discounted Planetarium show. Additional information is available on the Museum’s website.

The New Jersey State Museum is open Tuesday - Sunday, 9:00 am to 4:45 pm; closed on all State holidays. General admission is FREE. For additional information visit www.statemuseum.nj.gov, like the Museum’s Facebook page (@NJStateMuseum), and follow us on X (njstatemuseum), Instagram (nj_statemuseum), Threads (nj_statemuseum) and YouTube (@newjerseystatemuseum1895.)

About the New Jersey State Museum The New Jersey State Museum is a center for the exploration of science, history and the arts. We preserve and share stories that inspire curiosity and creativity for the enrichment of our communities. Located at 205 West State Street in Trenton, the New Jersey State Museum has the largest museum collection in the state and encompasses three buildings including a state-of-the-art Planetarium. Established in 1895, the State Museum’s collections in Archaeology/Ethnography, Cultural History, Fine Art and Natural History contain over 2 million objects.