Visit us at:
568 Tempe Wick Road
Morristown, NJ 07960
Mail us at:
P.O. Box 300
New Vernon, NJ 07976
Call us at:
(973) 538-3500
FAX:
(973) 538-5300
Educational Programs
Whether you are hiking trails in search of an elusive Yellow Warbler or watching an expert demonstrate the finer points of rain barrel installation, expect to have lots of fun as you learn about the Great Swamp Watershed and all that’s happening within it. Join friends and members of GSWA as you experience all the great outings and presentations we have in store for you this season.
Registration & Fees. Advanced registration is required for participation in all programs. GSWA members and their families participate free-of-charge. Non-members may participate for a donation of $10 per adult and $5 per child over 5 years, or $30 per family.
How To Prepare. Please wear sturdy footwear and bring along water and snacks for walking events. You will be most comfortable if you dress appropriately for the weather. Feel free to bring binoculars and/or wildlife field guides if you have them.
Our Fall 2011 Programs have ended, but here is what was presented, to give you an idea of what to look forward to next season. Check back soon for Winter-Spring 2012 Programs!
Fall 2011 Education Programs
Fall Colors Hike in the Great Swamp Watershed — September 25
Description: The Great Swamp Watershed Association owns approximately 50 acres of land in Harding Township, New Jersey, that it maintains as a Conservation Management Area (CMA). This forested wetland contains vernal pools, streams and woodland that are teeming with wildflowers and wildlife alike. We will take an afternoon stroll along the recently expanded boardwalk trails, listening for birds and watching out for the fabulous fall foliage displays of native plants. Look forward to the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness on this easy-paced hike at an important restoration area.
When & Where: Sunday, September 25, 2011, 3:30 to 5 p.m.; GSWA Conservation Management Area, 1 Tiger Lily Lane, Harding, NJ 07976.
Rain Garden Workshop — October 4
Description: Learn more about the benefits of storing the water that flows from your roof and driveways in a water-quality-improving rain garden. GSWA Director of Education & Outreach Hazel England will demonstrate the process using our very own rain garden. Installed in 2008, our rain garden feeds a variety of native plants with water diverted from a third of our office’s roofline. This indoor/outdoor program will be held in our conference room and outside in GSWA’s rain garden. This is a rain-or-shine event.
When & Where: Tuesday, October 4, 2011, 7 to 8:30 p.m.; GSWA Offices, 568 Tempe Wick Road, Morristown, NJ 07976.
Movie Screening: Highlands Rediscovered with Julia Somers, NJ Highlands Coalition — October 27
Description: Join GSWA and special guest Julia Somers, Executive Director of the New Jersey Highlands Coalition, for a timely screening and discussion of the movie Highlands Rediscovered. This important documentary film is a visually captivating exploration of an under-appreciated wilderness, featuring stunning photography of some of New Jersey’s most expansive wooded landscapes. New Jersey’s northern Highlands is the forested region which supplies water for more than four million people in the urban corridor encompassing Newark and Jersey City. The documentary examines how a wilderness region and its natural resources, saved from past abuse, are once again threatened by highways and development.
When & Where: Thursday, October 27, 2011, 6 to 8 p.m.; GSWA Offices, 568 Tempe Wick Road, Morristown, NJ 07976.
Introduction to Geocaching Workshop — November 5
Description: Geocaching, a global game of treasure hunting using longitude and latitude coordinates, is a fun-filled adventure for all ages. With a GPS receiver, and Internet access, you are ready to explore and search for a “geocache.” Join GSWA and the Northern New Jersey Cachers (NNJC) as we present a special introduction to geocaching. This workshop will familiarize participants with geocaching basics of geocaching and is a great chance for those who know nothing or little about this eco-friendly sport to learn and experience this growing family activity. You’ll learn about geocaching equipment, all the different types of caches you can find, and how to upload results to the NNJC website. Experience the thrill of the hunt and the fulfillment that comes from discovering countless locations of natural beauty and historical interest that you have never seen before!
When & Where: Saturday, November 5, 2011 (Time to be announced — please call or check this site at a later date); begin at GSWA Offices, 568 Tempe Wick Rd., Morristown, NJ; travel to GSWA’s Conservation Management Area (CMA), 1 Tiger Lily Ln., Harding, NJ.
Full Moon Hike at Morristown National Historical Park — December 10
Description: While we cannot guarantee the moonlight, there will be plenty of nature to learn about on this night hike around the watershed. We may hear many of the watershed’s wild inhabitants including owls, flying squirrels and perhaps even coyotes calling! Get your senses sharpened as we play some games to learn more about night senses, and revel in being out after dark without a flashlight! Hot cider and mulled wine will warm us up after we return from our outing.
When & Where: Saturday, December 10, 2011, 6 to 7:30 p.m.; GSWA Offices, 568 Tempe Wick Road, Morristown, NJ 07976.
Download the form and hike, bike, or drive around the
Great Swamp Watershed to find the plants and animals listed on the back.
When you’ve found them all, send in your form and get a sur-prize!