The Watershed Association just launched its Annual Appeal campaign, soliciting contributions to continue its environmental programs, according to David Budd, Board Chairman.

"The Watershed Association relies strongly on membership dues and individual contributions—they currently provide about 60% of our annual financial support." Mr. Budd said. "We need a strong response to this campaign in order to continue to be able to preserve open space, protect animal habitats and serve as environmental advocates before local planning and zoning boards."

Great Swamp Watershed Association is marking its 20^th anniversary in many ways, including its recent "Do The Swamp Thing" promotion in honor of Earth Month. According to their literature, Great Swamp is a world of wonder to explore right in your own backyard. They’re also working regularly to preserve the environmental quality of life and improve the quality of water that flows from local towns to the swamp via storm drains. And their efforts to promote more restraint and better land practices in local development are regarded by many as an important element in preserving property values in the entire watershed region.

Their ongoing activities include maintaining an informative website: www.greatswamp.org, publishing a quarterly newsletter, providing expert environmental advice to communities, developing and producing high quality resource publications, soliciting Green Acres funding to permanently preserve open spaces, providing support and leadership to local neighborhood groups on planning and zoning issues, and participation on the Ten Towns Committee.

Budd said: "The problem is that it all takes time and money and we can’t continue to provide these services without additional funding. So, please help us continue to protect that which is great in your area by giving generously now." For additional information call 973.966.1900, or visit www.greatswamp.org on the web.

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