Join friends and members of GSWA for one
or more of these educational programs to learn more
about what's going on in and around the swamp! We ask
that you pre-register for these programs to learn meeting
locations and other information. Wear sturdy footwear and
bring a snack for the walks. Bring binoculars or wildlife
guides if you have them. Cost $8 per member, $10 per non-member
(or otherwise as indicated), children under 5 free. All children
welcome, with adult. To register, click here.
Our event registration page is on a secure server so you can safely
use your credit card ($15 minimum).
Or call Hazel England at 973-538-3500 x20 (email hazele@greatswamp.org) for more information.
Moonlight Nature Hikes
Backyard Habitat Tour
Secret Places of the Watershed
Creatures of the Swamp
Birding Basics for Beginners
To register for member events, click here.
Moonlight Nature
Hikes
Although we don’t guarantee the moonlight, there will be plenty of nature to learn about on these night hikes around the watershed. We may hear owls, frogs, night insects or other night noises, perhaps even coyotes calling! Play some games to learn more about night senses, and revel in being out after dark without a flashlight!
Monday, July 18, 7 - 9 pm, Great Swamp National
Wildlife Refuge, Pleasant Plains Road, Long Hill
Township
Friday, August 19, 7 pm - 9 pm, Somerset County Environmental Education Center, Basking Ridge.
Saturday, September 17, Loantaka Brook Reservation, Morristown. Call for time.
Backyard Habitat
Tour
Come and learn the basics of creating habitats that function as great places for wildlife, with a hands-on tour of a private 1 acre garden that has been turned into a wildlife oasis, right in the heart of suburban South Plainfield. Though this garden is a work in progress, its owners have created many distinct areas that meet wildlife needs. Tour the gardens and learn about the great native plants you can grow to attract birds, bees, butterflies and more. Leave the tour armed with native plant listings, bird box plans and more.
Sunday, July 17, 10 am-12 noon, $10 members $15 for non-members. Price includes refreshments.
Secret Places of the Watershed – A Natural History Hike
The Great Swamp Watershed Association owns 50 acres in Harding Township that we maintain as a Conservation Management Area. This forested wetland contains vernal pools, streams and woodland with wildflowers and wildlife aplenty. We will take an early evening stroll along the boardwalk trails, listening for birds and watching out for native plants in bloom. Cool and shady, we will escape the heat of summer in this important restoration area.
Sunday August 28, 5 pm-7 pm. The area is right off an exit of Rt. 287. Registered participants will receive a driving map and directions ahead of time.
Creatures of the Swamp
– Pond Dip for Families
If you don’t know a pollywog from a hellgrammite, a crayfish from a pond strider, we have the solution! Come and find out who the creatures of the swamp are, and what lives in the ponds and streams of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, with a “pond dip” especially for families. We will use dip nets to catch creatures, examine them and let them go. This program is particularly suitable for families with children. Make sure they wear clothes and footwear that can get wet! Children under 5 are free.
Saturday, August 20, 10 am - 12 noon. Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.
Birding Basics for Beginners
Many birding hikes already assume a fair amount of knowledge on the part of the participant…. Not with this program! We will cover the birding basics, with a focus on using field guides, learning what to watch for to identify birds, where and when to bird for success. You will leave knowing at least 10 birds by sight and sound, and a new appreciation for figuring out what bird species and characteristics. This program is especially suitable for adults of all ages. Bring your binoculars and field guides if you have them.
Saturday, September 24, 10 am - 12 noon, Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Long Hill Road Boardwalk.
