From the high elevations in the Skylands mountains to the Southern Shore area surrounded by water, the temperature in New Jersey can vary greatly from region to region. The average annual precipitation can range from 40 inches on the southeastern coast to about 50 inches in North-Central New Jersey. There are more than 34,000 miles of highways and roads to cruise along in New Jersey. This includes 148 miles of the New Jersey Turnpike and 173 miles of the Garden State Parkway. Thanks to its broad diversity of habitats, New Jersey is home to nearly 500 vertebrate species of wildlife.
Animals range in size from tree frogs to black bears.
If you're a bird buff, over 120 species can be found in the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in Oceanville or the nearby Cape May Bird Observatory. While you're at the Shore, take a ride on a whale-watching boat or visit the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, which rescues beached sea creatures. The majestic schooner, A.J. Meerwald, was named New Jersey's official tall ship in April 1998. It not only serves as a sailing classroom for grades fourth to twelfth, the A.J. Meerwald has also earned a spot in the National Register of Historic Places.