Back by popular demand, ‘Do the Swamp Thing’ is a month-long celebration of the recreational and educational resources abundant in the Great Swamp watershed. From April 20th through May 19^th GSWA will be publicizing events at venues throughout the watershed.

Now in its second year, ‘Do the Swamp Thing’ is organized by Great Swamp Watershed Association and sponsored by Kings Super Markets Inc., PSEG, and Recorder Community Newspapers. This years’ celebration highlights family activities and raises awareness of the importance of environmental conservation. The special events will begin at noon on Sunday, April 21 at the Morris County Outdoor Education Center with appearances by State Senator Rich Bagger and Assemblyman Tom Kean, Jr. Following the opening ceremony, there will be a special program about the importance of water taking place at the Morris County Outdoor Education Center from noon to 4 p.m. Entitled "Wonderful World of Water: We All Live Downstream," the program will include information, demonstrations, games, and crafts all about water. Both afternoon events are free.

According to Cheryl Good, Manager of Community Relations at Kings, "We’re delighted to be part of this ongoing celebration of the environmental riches of our region and are excited to be able to publicize it on our shopping bags. There will be special events at many of the historical sites and parks, like Washington’s Headquarters, the Morris County Outdoor Education Center, and the Somerset County Environmental Education Center."

Elizabeth Parker, Co-Publisher and Executive Editor for Recorder Community Newspapers commented: "We are excited about being part of this partnership to promote the variety of activities available within the watershed. Great Swamp Watershed Association is working to protect the treasures of this region and it is our pleasure to support that work."

New this year is a "Passport to Win, which is available at event sites throughout the watershed and at the Kings Super Market in Morristown. Anyone interested in the prize drawing is encouraged to get their "passport" stamped at any of the swamp sites throughout the promotion. With a minimum of two stamps, participants would then send their passport to the Watershed Association for the special drawing to be held later in May. First prize is a one-minute shopping spree at Kings, second prize is a Pentax camera donated by Madison Camera Shop, and third prize is a pair of Nikon "naturalist" binoculars, donated by NJ Audubon Society.

Great Swamp Watershed Association was created in 1981 to protect the Great Swamp watershed basin. Celebrating its 20^th Anniversary as a non-profit organization, the Watershed Association relies solely on membership and contributions to protect the continued health of our watershed’s area. If you’re not already a member, become one today. For more information, call (973) 966-1900, or visit their website at www.greatswamp.org.

Photo caption from left: Michael Henderson, Superintendent of Morristown National Historical Park; Bonnie Gannon, Development Director, Great Swamp Watershed Association; Cheryl Good, Manager of Community Relations, Kings Super Markets, Inc; Jerry Burke, General Store Manager, Kings, Morristown; Catherine Schrein, Manager, Somerset County Environmental Education Center; William Koch, Manager of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge; Rob Jennings, Director of Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center.

Not shown: Jim Shissias, General Manager of Environmental Affairs, PSEG; Elizabeth Parker, Co-Publisher and Executive Editor, Recorder Community Newspapers; Don Freiday, Sanctuary Director, Scherman Hoffman Sanctuaries, NJ Audubon Society.

#######