From the mid-1800s to the early 1940s, South Cape May was a busy vacation town with hotels, attractions and even a railroad. Over time, severe erosion from storms and impacts of offshore dredging allowed the ocean to advance far inland, and by 1944 the town was abandoned. For the next 50 years, the natural areas here continued to deteriorate, and the freshwater wetland was overrun with salt water, completely changing the ecosystem. Invasive reeds replaced native plants, wildlife no longer had a local source of fresh water, and without the protection of a healthy dune system, West Cape May, Cape May Point and Lower Township experienced severe flooding even during average storms.

The Nature Conservancy acquired South Cape May Meadows in 1981, and in partnership with local towns and the Army Corps of Engineers, completed a restoration of the site in 2007. The design maximizes benefits to nature, wildlife and people, including a rebuilt beach and dunes, reconnected freshwater flow, island and pond bird habitats and a control system for managing wetland water levels. The restored landscape provides storm and flooding protection for the surrounding communities and is a year-round wildlife haven and world-class birding destination.