Mother’s Day Weekend Activities in The Swamp

"Do The Swamp Thing 2002," a month-long celebration of family activities in and around the Great Swamp, heats up with a variety of events planned for this Mother’s Day weekend. Since advance registration and admission fees may be required, it’s a good idea to call ahead.

According to Julia Somers, Executive Director of the Great Swamp Watershed Association, "We have been thrilled with the response to this years’ ‘Do The Swamp Thing.’ Many, many people are taking advantage of the activities throughout the area to learn more about nature, or just enjoy a beautiful afternoon. I’d like to encourage everyone to get out and see what’s going on in this rich, diverse natural wonderland."

The Somerset County Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge has volunteer opportunities for young adults aged 12-15 who enjoy natural science and like being outdoors. Join the staff and other volunteers on Saturday, May 11 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. for educational and fun volunteering opportunities. 908-766-2489.

On Sunday, May 12, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., NJ Audubon Society is hosting a "Mother’s Day Birding" outing…take mom on a mystery trip in Scherman-Hoffman Sanctuaries. Naturalist Neil Collins will lead the group through the fields and forest in search of migrants and breeding birds. Call 908-766-5787 for details.

At 2:00 on Sunday, at the great Swamp Outdoor Education Center in Chatham, staff naturalist Judy will introduce you to the early spring wildflowers through a slide presentation and walk. 973-635-6629.

Also on Sunday, the Somerset County Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge is hosting a one-hour walk interpretive walk from noon to 1:00 p.m.. Each in the series of walks focuses on a different theme, so make these walks part of your weekend routine. 908-766-2489.

New to "Do The Swamp Thing" 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.

#######