Spring in The Swamp

"Do The Swamp Thing 2003," a month-long celebration of family activities in and around the Great Swamp, heats up with a variety of events planned for this weekend. Great Swamp Watershed Association encourages families to take advantage of the abundance of educational and recreational resources in the area.

On Saturday, May 10:

• At 7 a.m., Scherman-Hoffman will field teams for the World Series of Birding. Pledge forms are available from the NJ Audubon Society, 908-766-5787. 

• From 1-4 p.m. children are invited to the Wick House at the Morristown National Historical Park to play with 18th century toys while learning how such things as wood, cloth, and yarn were used to make something fun and entertaining. 973-543-4030. 

• Learn about beautiful winged creatures known as moths from Mothman. Morris County Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center 973-635-6629.

• "Hit the H2O" from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. with a canoe and kayak demonstration on the Passaic River hosted by Great Swamp Watershed Association and Blue Ridge Mountain Sports. Meet at the "Fisherman's" parking lot in the Somerset County Park, Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge. 973-966-1900.

On Sunday May 11th, from 1-4 p.m. step back in time and meet a farmer at the Wick House in Jockey Hollow and ask him about the latest news and his opinion of the war. 973-539-2016. 

Also on Sunday, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., under the direction of Dr. Alan Cooper, participants will learn about archaeological techniques and participate in an actual "dig" at a site estimated to be more than 6,000 years old. Somerset County Environmental Education Center at Lord Stirling Park. 908-766-2489.

On May 13th, introductory kayaking classes will be available through the Somerset County Environmental Education Center at Lord Stirling Park in Basking Ridge. Learn basic paddling techniques, safety, and handling in preparation for any of the EEC kayaking trips. Classes will take place on Branta Pond. Call 908-766-2489 for more information. 

Great Swamp Watershed Association was created in 1981 to protect the Great Swamp watershed basin. Celebrating its 20th 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 and a listing of other events, visit the Watershed Association website at www.greatswamp.org.

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Visitors at reconstructed soldier huts in Jockey Hollow unit of Morristown National Historical Park