Take The Family To 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.

This weekend, May 3rd and 4th is the 23nd Annual Carving and Wildlife Art Show and Sale at the Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the art show is free and features more than 50 artists exhibiting their Wildlife art. Realistic woodcarvings and paintings are featured at this exhibit, along with sculpture, photographs, and drawings. According to Catherine Schrein, Manager of the Somerset County Environmental Education Center, "This is one of our biggest events of the year; the quality and variety of the artwork is truly amazing. Since it's free and open all day, you can either stop by on your way somewhere or make it your destination. Either way we'll be glad to see you." Call 908-766-2489 for more information.

On Sunday May 4th at 11 a.m., kids can tour the Ford Mansion at Morristown National Historic Park (Washington's Headquarters). The tour is geared towards kids in grade four and higher (including adults) and features activities such as role playing, a scavenger hunt, and learning about "icky" things like an 18th century bathroom. Call 973-539-2085 for more information.

Also on Sunday, from 8-10 a.m., Neil Collins and other NJ Audubon Society naturalists will take you through Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge looking at birds and natural history. Call 908-766-5787 for more information.

On May 2nd and 13th, introductory kayaking classes will be available through the Somerset County Environmental Education Center at Lord Stirling Park in Basking Ridge. You will 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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Photo caption: Experienced kayakers enjoying their trip with 
the Environmental Education Center.


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